A mom is running down a sidewalk that lies adjacent to a quiet parking lot. She carries a purse and a small backpack in her hands, flouncing at the ends of her arms. She looks like she was sheveled at some point, but that point is not dis one.
She is trailing behind a small boy who glances back at her every few strides. He is having the time of his life.
"Evan STOP!" she shouts. "Stop. You stop right now."
She finally catches up to him and snags a trailing limb. His joy turns to sorrow in her grip. Shame follows.
"When mommy tells you to stop you need to stop!" mom growls, teeth grit and jaw clamped as though to keep her from barking madly into his face.
She looks ridiculous and over-cautious and too emotional and more than a little terrified. Too scared, given that he was only two steps away on a sidewalk next to a quiet parking lot.
But.
Been there.