A conversation between a mother and a teenage son.

Mother sits down at table.  Mother begins to read newspaper.  Mother hears sound and looks up from paper.  Mother returns to reading paper

Mother hears another sound and looks up from paper again.  Mother takes sip of decaf coffee.  Mother returns to reading paper.

Mother takes a bite of cereal.  Mother hears stomping sound on the floor.  Mother looks up and sees Tall Boy.

“Mom.  I’ve been calling for you for the last 15 minutes.  Why didn’t you answer me?’”- Tall Boy

“Oh.  That was the noise I heard.  I’m sorry.  I was just reading the paper, eating breakfast and trying to forget I was someone’s mother.” – Mother