It’s not often that this happens, but I was totally wrong about something! I honestly thought Mother would love digging herself out of her dusty, old archaeologist life with a glamorous, creeperific makeover… but as it turns out, my mom is very happy with her new look. She no longer has any interest in going to the spa; she likes her hair the way it is now because she doesn’t have to spend as much time each morning getting ready; and she feels most comfortable in worn jeans. Mom asked me if I could understand that, and you know what? I totally can. It’s not a look I plan to go for anytime soon, but if she’s happy with herself, then that’s all that really matters.

Once the makeover was off the table, Mother and I still had a fangtastic night together. She suggested we both put on our favorite pajamas (I went for elegant pajamas, and she went for comfort), then cuddle up on the sofa together, watching boo-vies and eating popcorn, just like we used to do when I was a young ghoul. We watched When Hairy Met Skully and Five Hauntings and a Wedding. Mom and I might not share the same fashion sense anymore, but we definitely still have the same taste in boo-vies! We both still love those classic romantic comedies.

Tonight Mother also told me a bunch of stories about some of the other monsters that she met and became friends with on the dig. Hearing her speak about her crew—and the ways they looked out for and encouraged one another while they were trapped in the tomb—helped me see how warm and caring Mother is. She even admitted to me that though she’d missed us terribly in the time she was away, if she had the chance to do everything over again, she would still agree to help the crew of researchers. She truly believes that if they hadn’t all been trapped in there together, they might not have survived. The members of the group relied on one another for support, encouragement, and friendship during their ordeal, and she would never want to abandon them in their time of need.

My mom is a wonderful person, and I’m so proud of her. But she is also very different from the woman our family parted with years ago. I wish there were some way I could have my old mom on the outside with this same new mom on the inside. Not because I’m embarrassed of her or anything like that. I just miss knowing that we look exactly alike. It used to make me feel so good when I was a ghoul and other monsters would see us and make a fuss over how much we looked alike. I loved being her mini-me. Now I’m not sure anyone would see the resemblance anymore, and that does make me a little sad. But it’s all worth it having her back home!

Cleo