It's Monday.

Nora: [holding her small book about Corduroy] Mama? Read?

Mama: Nora, Mama has to make her coffee and go to work.

Nora: [pause] No ... work, away!

[away = make something disappear or stop]

Mama: [heart crumbling into several pieces] Yes, Nora. I feel the same way.

A few moments later, sitting in my arms, she grinned at me and placed her finger on my chin, turning my head to the side. She touched my earrings, and smiled. This has been her ritual since she was very small - she examines my workaday jewelry, knowing that it is some marker of Where Mama Goes.

Should we worry that when we say, "I love you!" Nora's reply is a cheery, "Bye bye!"? They say that this means she's well-adjusted and trusting. This is what mama tells herself, pulling the car away, taking deep breaths.