My mom found a boyfriend. After years alone and so much quiet, she was finally smiling like she used to — a deep, genuine smile that lit up the whole house. I was happy for her. Her boyfriend Aaron seemed like a good man. He sent her flowers, called every night, and his voice sounded kind whenever I overheard it. But there was one odd thing: I had never met him, not even seen a photo. My mom said he was private and old-fashioned, and that their connection was so pure they didn’t need to rush things. His work travel explained the distance. I trusted her judgment and stayed out of it.
