Most Important of All

The smallest details make the biggest impact

My mother watched me with an eyebrow raised. I understood what "deer in the headlights" meant.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that"

"Aren't you forgetting something, young man?"

I looked down, doing a mental inventory: wallet, check; breath mints, check; condom...well, she didn't need to know, but...check; boutonniere, check.

"I give up Mom, what?"

A little Mona Lisa smile appeared on her lips, her eyebrow remained in the Mr. Spock position, and she remained cryptically silent. Once again, inventory: bowtie was tied (still unsure if the straight tie wasn't the better choice after all, but too late now); shoes were tied...

"Is this about the shoes again? Seriously, everybody wears gym shoes with suits now. Look at Joe on Master Chef!" Actually, that guy wears couch upholstery suits with gym shoes, but to each their own. Mom and I had gone round and round about the shoes, and I thought she had finally given up. She simply tilted her head the other way, clasped her hands behind her, and continued to Mona Lisa me.

At that point, I was getting antsy. I knew the limo dad had scrounged up the money for would be there soon. "Can I just...?"

"You are forgetting something, Kenneth..."

"Jesus, what?!"

"Language!" I didn't know grandpa was standing behind me in the doorway and he startled me badly.

"Shit!" This time he just grinned. "Sorry, Grandpa, but Mom's holding me hostage."

"I think she's right, Kenneth. You are forgetting something. Something important."

"Mom, I give up—the car will be here soon. What am I forgetting that's so important?"

She spread her arms, her smile growing. "You forgot to give your mother one last kiss before you go out and turn into a man, Kenny."

She was right. It was very important.

(Word Count: 300)