Growing Past the Playing Cards All Day Phase

Gemma looked at the cards in her hands as she played bid whist with her friends in the Bridge Club on Fifth Street. There were few events in her life more satisfying than “running a Boston” on her opponents. She lived for each time she and her partner won every hand. She would jump up and dance, saying, “in your face” a few times, while laughing and enjoying life. She wondered how life could get any better.

But, the day came when her mother said, “You have 60 days to find a job and move out. I am taking the keys to the house on the sixtieth day, whether you have a place to stay or not. You can’t just play cards and drink beer with friends in clubs or their homes for the rest of your life! You are 21 years old, and it’s time to work and learn responsibility.”

Gemma paid no attention to her mother and continued to attend the card games wherever they were played. She didn’t count the days or even attempt to find a job, believing that her mother would never disinherit her from her childhood home. Her mother was tripping because Gemma failed to wash the dishes before leaving that day. So, on the sixtieth day, Gemma washed the dishes and went to her friend Carol’s apartment, where cards and beer were the order of the day.

On returning home after midnight, her key didn’t fit in the door lock. She tried every angle, and still no luck. She called her mother. When her mother answered, Gemma asked her to come and open the door. Imagine Gemma’s surprise when her mother reminded her that yesterday was the sixtieth day. She told Gemma, “When you find a place to stay, let me know where to send your clothes and things.”

Gemma started crying and promised that she would look for a place, but her mother, as hard as it was for her, stayed firm in her refusal. She knew that if she didn’t stay resolute, she would enable Gemma to remain irresponsible. Gemma responded with words so harsh that they cut into her mother’s heart and soul like a serrated knife. But with tears running down her face and prayers to God for her daughter’s safety on her lips, she hung up the phone.

Gemma called Carol and told her of her predicament, and Carol agreed that Gemma could stay for a month, but then she had to leave. Over the next four weeks, Gemma found a job, which allowed her to rent a basement apartment from a neighbor. After missing so many days playing cards, Gemma came to relish the feeling of taking care of herself and having her own money. She learned that there comes a time when we must put away childish things and become self-supporting adults. She had been so angry with her mother that she hadn’t spoken to her for the whole month. She’d wondered if her mother had stopped loving her, locking her out and all.

But she came to realize that it was a mother’s love that caused her mother to make such a scary declaration. She called her mother and thanked her, stating, “It was the best thing you could ever do for me!” Her mother said, “Yes, but it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I haven’t slept a full night. So, thank you for understanding that it was love that guided me, and I am so proud of you!” They both cried and promised to meet for lunch on the weekend.

A fictional story based on the true story of my youngest son and me. Written for Writing Prompts from Esther Chilton: Club. Fandango One Word Challenge is Ask. Ragtag Daily Prompt is Serrated.

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