He threw the bags down on the doorstep and hurried away towards his truck, looking back over his shoulder as he fumbled in his pocket for the keys.

The wheels kicked up small stones as the truck tore out of the driveway. Harold opened the door and picked up the plastic bags. “I think I would have made a superb delivery man,” he said as he headed toward the kitchen.

Harold’s reluctance to go outside happened slowly over time.

At first he’d hurry home from work. Mother always waited at the door.

Next, he quit his job, only venturing into town when absolutely necessary. “You weren’t qualified for that job anyway.” She tossed his briefcase into the garbage.

Eventually, he stopped doing errands such as grocery shopping or going to the bank. “You can do that stuff online.” She smiled, revealing yellowed teeth.

Finally, he couldn’t bring himself to step outside of the house at all.

Mother hired Billy from down the street to cut the lawn, and trim the shrubs twice a month. Billy only charged $10.00, so Harold left the cash for him inside the mailbox. “Billy does a better job with the yard than you do anyway.”

Harold loved talking to Mother while he unpacked the groceries and prepared for the evening meal. He’d always considered himself a master chef.

“Good morning, Mother,” Harold said as he opened the freezer and retrieved a frozen chicken to defrost for tonight’s supper. Mother didn’t answer him, just stared back at him with her filmy blue eyes. She never answered him lately. Over the past year, he’d learned to accept her silence along with her judgmental glares.

“We’re going to have a wonderful supper tonight: chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans.” Harold placed the chicken into the kitchen sink to thaw.

“You’ve become so pig-headed in your old age,” Harold said, as he positioned the television so she could see it better. He knew Mother would refuse to eat the chicken or anything else he’d cooked for that matter.

He began peeling the potatoes. Mother was beginning to sweat. He turned on the overhead fan for her.

Feeling good about himself, he showed her the items he’d gotten especially for her. “I bought you those popsicles you love so much. I also got you some ice cream sandwiches. The frozen yogurt was on sale so I couldn’t resist getting you a little something extra.”

The bitch didn’t even crack a smile.

Harold placed the frozen goods on a big block of ice inside the freezer. “I’ve had enough of you for one day.” He moved the box of ice cream sandwiches just enough to cover Mother’s frozen face. “Sorry, but I don’t want the yogurt to melt.” He slammed the freezer door shut.