（外文电子版资料）Amy Sterling Casil - Motherwife.pdfVIP

illustration by Judith Huey © 2000 - All Rights Reserved Tommy uploaded Mother right before the Mets won their third World Series. She died coughing blood six days later. In the hospital, he held her hand and told her that the uploading was his tribute. He guessed in a way, he really meant it. Its like insurance, he said, clasping her cold wrist right below the IV needle. I know youre sure youre going to Heaven, but you know, it cant hurt to have a copy of yourself around. Tommy didn’t want to tell Mother he didn’t think there was any heaven at all. I dont believe in this, Mother said. When I go, I go. Jesus will come for me. Tommy didn’t believe in Jesus, either, though he didn’t mind Him as long as he stayed on bumper stickers. Mother’s skin was parchment-yellow. Her lips were dry and cracked. Dark blood showed in some of the faint lines. As he poured water from the plastic ice-water jug, he said, dont be afraid. Its not like people have to die—dead-die—any more. She smiled. Im not afraid. But I will miss my boy. Right then, Tommy did want to cry. She sipped the water, then closed her eyes for a long moment. Yes, she said at last. But its for you, Tommy. Not for me. Because I know it will make you feel better. Then came the lonelytime. Two, maybe three years of it. After that, Tommy found Katie. Three years they were together. A thousand days. Tommy had been married before, of course, but it was nothing like Katie. Some days, he could only remember his first wifes name and nothing else about her. Hed met Katie coming out of Pep Boys one spring day. She had a bottle of Armor-All. Tommy had three quarts of 30-weight oil. The sun was so bright that day that he could hardly make out her features. He had the impression of a pair of bright, glittering eyes and a broad smile. Katie was a childrens librarian, he learned later as they talked over a cup of