I Went To A Sunday Lunch, But My Daughter Told Me: “I Need Some Space Right Now. Please Leave For Today.” I Replied: “Remember This Date Well. Today Changes What Comes Next For Us.” Ten Days Later, She CALLED ME WITH A SHAKING VOICE…

Not because I had to, but because at 70, the body has its own schedule. I made myself a strong coffee, opened the curtains in my bedroom, and looked at my reflection in the vanity mirror. “Aurora Perez,” I said to myself, “it’s time you remember who you really are.”

My house was silent, but it wasn’t the sad silence of loneliness.

It was the silence of peace, of being able to have breakfast without anyone telling me how to spend my money or what to do with my life. I turned on the TV to watch the news while I ate. And then I checked my phone.

I had several messages in the WhatsApp group with my friends from the walking club. Rose had written, “Good morning, beauties. Who’s up for a walk in the park today?”

Mary replied with a fire emoji.

“I’m in. I need to burn off yesterday’s quesadillas.”

Anne sent a picture of her healthy breakfast with the message, “Ready to conquer the world, ladies.”

I wrote in the group, “See you at 8. I have important news to share.”

Rose immediately sent me a private message.

“Is everything okay, friend? You sounded worried yesterday.”

I replied, “Everything’s perfect, better than ever.”

I got dressed in my favorite tracksuit—the pink one with white stripes I had bought last month—my new sneakers that were still perfect, and the cap Marina gave me for my birthday. I took a selfie in the mirror and uploaded it to my Facebook with the message, “Ready for a new day full of blessings.”

I drove to the Central Park where we met every morning.

My 2018 sedan was still running perfectly, and I was still driving without any problems, despite what Melissa always said about old people behind the wheel. I arrived on time as always, and Rose, Mary, and Anne were already there waiting for me with their water bottles and their good morning smiles. “What happened yesterday?” Rose asked as we started walking along the path.

“You sounded very serious on the phone.”

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