my ears were immediately assaulted by the sound of low, almost feral keening. It was a sound that I’d never heard before and never wanted to hear again. It was the sound of a woman’s heart breaking. “Mam?” The crying stopped for a brief moment, and I heard her drag in several gasps of air before she croaked out, “Joey?” “Yeah.” I nodded, trembling. “It’s me, Mam.” “Joey,” she cried out hoarsely. “My Joey?” “Yeah, Mam,” I replied, clearing my throat. “Can I open the curtain and see ya?” A few moments later, the curtain was pulled back, and I was greeted by the sight of my mother’s tear-stained
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