Prompt 006: You don't know what you're missing.
The restaurant in downtown Chicago was very busy this Sunday. Many families were out, enjoying the sunny day in May. An older woman with her hair in a bun sat at a table for two, looking pensive.

Ryan approached her table, wearing a dress shirt and holding a bouquet of flowers. "Hi, Mom." He sat down and across from her and offered her the flowers. "Sorry I'm late."

Her smile lit up her face, even while she anxiously played with her napkin. "It's all right. I know the store keeps you busy."

"Yeah." He opened up his menu and pretended to study it, not wanting to elaborate. His mother didn't know about the cursed antiques, and he didn't want to explain how often it interfered with his life and his plans with her.

She watched him for a moment, then looked down at her hands. "I was almost afraid you wouldn't show. After the last three times our plans fell through..."

He sighed. "Mom..."

"No, it's... I don't blame you." She smiled sadly. "I was no good to you, staying with your father, but leaving was the most selfish thing I've ever done. If I had known what your father was going to be like, I wouldn't have--"

"Mom." He reached out and took her hand. "Look, Dad was no prize, but... I mean, I know what loss can do to someone. I'm just glad you took care of yourself, so you can be here now."

She smiled again, tears in her eyes, and squeezed his hand. "I wish there was a Happy Son's Day. I don't deserve you."

"Mom..." He groaned, embarrassed, but happy. It was nice to have a mother again.

And maybe, if he kept repeating the words he just said to her, he'd believe them, too.