While Patricia talked about school pickup and a permission slip, I opened the cupboard.

A box of tea stood beside half a sleeve of crackers.

The rest of the shelf was empty.

I shut the door before she could hear it.

“Are you listening?” she asked.

“I am.”

“What did you have for breakfast?”

“Coffee.”

“Mom.”

“I will get something later.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

After the call ended, I stood with my hand on the cupboard knob.

The crackers were neatly folded inside their sleeve.