He talks to his friends for hours.

I stopped what I was doing because I heard him laughing.

Not the polite little laugh I sometimes get when I tell a joke.

The kind where you can't get the words out because you're laughing so hard.

I walked downstairs.

He had his headset on.

He was talking with a few friends.

Telling stories.

Teasing someone.

Laughing so hard he could barely finish a sentence.

He looked over.

"Hey, Mom."

Then turned right back to whatever they were talking about.

I don't even think he realized I was standing there.

That was it.

Nothing happened.

And somehow...

it stayed with me the rest of the night.

I found myself wondering who they were talking about.

Which friend made him laugh like that.

What story he'd just told.

What they're planning this weekend.

Not because I wanted to keep tabs on him.

Because I realized how much I missed feeling like I knew his world.

If that hurts more than it seems like it should...

you're not alone.

🧡 Jeanine

If this felt familiar, I'd love to hear from you. Just comment below.