My Wife's Christmas Date, My Mom's Cup Noodles

Synopsis

On Christmas Eve, I was still out of town. A call came in while I was signing a contract with a client. The screen lit up. It was my mom, Donna. "Mom," I said. It was noisy on her end. I heard the sound of the wind and traffic. Her voice was a little strained. "James, I'm fine. I'm outside eating." I put my pen down. "Outside?" "Yeah, at the convenience store on the corner. They have hot water, so I'm having some instant noodles." "You're not at home?" She was quiet for a couple of seconds. "There are guests at home. I stepped out for some fresh air." I closed the contract.