winter won't last forever

Bom thought about this long and hard, trying to figure out how Keanu could see his mother again. Although, she wasn't sure it bothered him all that much. Still, he was a baby and he did have his dad and his grandmother.

As luck would have it, Bom still went to work every day while others stayed home. It was as if her workplace was her home and she kept busy for the most part.

But when Ivy's brother showed up to speak with their mom, she started to worry that maybe something had happened to Ivy. He couldn't reach her. He was furious when he found out their mother had cut her off. Ivy didn't even have a phone now.

Bom wanted to tell Brian about this, but he was so busy and she feared he didn't care anyway. After all, he had his son with him.

Finally, after of weeks of thinking what to do, she noticed the Go Phone on sale at the pharmacy where she was picking up necessities for home and Keanu. She set up an account online and went to Jay's out of instinct.

And there was Ivy, who looked at her in total shock but was so happy to see the baby.

"I know Brian won't like it," Bom told her. "I can't give him back, but I thought you should see him."

Keanu warmed up to her as if he knew Ivy's body well. His natural instinct was to nurse.

Ivy was emotional and yet she gave in as if he would always come first.

Bom asked if she'd been well. Ivy nodded. She told her she was alone most of the time, but she cried more with Keanu in her arms.

Bom said Brian was busy nonstop and the stimulus check arrived, but it was in the bank. Things were looking up, making ends meet. She looked around the small place where Ivy lived. It was tidy.

"Do you have enough to eat?"

Ivy nodded. Her neighbor always brought her food.

Finally, Bom got out the phone. "Your brother is worried about you." Bom managed to get his phone number out of him when he was at his mother work place. She'd made sure to get the phone number in the contacts on the phone. Bom put in her own number as well, in case Ivy needed help.

Ivy choked in tears as if she might become ill, but she thanked Bom.

"Let me know, if you need anything," Bom promised she would bring Keanu back on regular visits.

Ivy only managed a nod.

Bom wanted to smile as she watched Keanu with his young mother. In her heart she knew she was doing the right thing even if Brian might be angry.