"It's hard"

Mum and I have not been to that store for  a while, and the store owner was very happy to see us again. Of course, she was surprised to see mum walking so slowly and with great effort, and wearing a neck brace. Mum, with her coarse voice, explained what happened and how she underwent surgery.

After we bought some things and before walking away, the storelady came up to me and gently patted me on the arm. I could have so easily cried hearing what she whispered to me...

"How hard it must be on you... Hang on there. You are a good son."