"Charlie has mastered

the first two steps already!"

The doctor beamed at my mother,

who wrapped her arms around me.

"Of course, Charlie can handle

anything," she smiled warmly

at me.

"T-thank y-you y-you, mom."

Mother's eyes widened and

she held onto the side of the

chair as she sat down; her heart

took a step forward, launching

itself across the world.

"He said..."

"M-Mom?" I stood up abruptly and

looked inside her eyes, searching

for anything. Heart attack? God forbid.

Tears were only left in her

eyes as she brushed away

my hair from my eyes.

"I'm so proud of you, Charlie."

I smiled.