"Your mother took you to the station. When she came back, she fell ill. She told me she was just tired, but the truth was heartache. She couldn't bear to part with you."
My vision blurred slightly.
"When she passed, she held my hand and said, *'Asher, our boy has made something of himself. I can close my eyes in peace now... Don't work yourself to death...'*"
A breath rattled in my chest. "She told me to enjoy the blessings of having raised a son."
I closed my eyes again, my voice dropping to a whisper.
"But, Son... since you think I've made you lose face..."
"It's fine."
"I will grant your wish."
"Let's sever the relationship."
"Your blessings... I can't enjoy them."
"And I can't enjoy them for your mother, either."
