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“You don’t have to go with me. It’s okay.”

Jim meant it too. He knew that even now, after all these years, Spock acutely felt the loss of his mother. His one champion when no one else was for so long.

“I know that I do not, Jim, but I am going anyway.”

Jim smiled faintly. “Are you sure? I’ll understand. So will Mom.”

For a moment Spock looked away, looking Jim didn’t know where. Into the recesses of his mind, Jim supposed. Jim squeezed Spock’s hand.

They stood outside Jim’s mother’s retirement facility. Jim and his mother had made the decision for her to enter one of those places last year. They’d let the farm go to pay for it. It was one of those places where his mom had her own little apartment, and there was a restaurant and activities. It was at that restaurant where Jim planned to have brunch with her.

Spock gazed back at Jim. “I will always be at your side, you need not fear.”

“I know. But this is different.”

“No, it is not. I am glad we are able to be with your mother today. Because not everyone can be with theirs.”

Jim squeezed Spock’s hand again. “All right then. Let’s go, honey.”

And when they went inside, his mom’s eyes lit up at the sight of them.

Jim went to her, hugged and kissed her.

“Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.”