“Madison?” a trembling voice said. “I’m… I’m Lori, your aunt. Your mother… she’s very ill. You should come.”
Madison felt a knot in her stomach. For years, she had imagined a confrontation, but not under these circumstances. After her shift, she walked home silently, Emma tugging at her hand, unaware of the weight her mother carried.
The next day, she went. The neighborhood seemed smaller than in memory. Shops, streets, and the market where Veronica worked were familiar yet distant. Emma walked beside her, innocence in her eyes, lending strength.
Veronica lay frail in the back room. When she opened her eyes and saw Madison, she froze.
“Hi, Mom,” Madison said softly, though her whole body trembled.
Veronica’s voice was hoarse. “I… I thought you wouldn’t come.”
“I wasn’t sure if I should. But I am here.”
Mia peeked from the doorway. Veronica asked, “Is she…?”
“Yes. Emma. Your granddaughter.”
Tears filled Veronica’s eyes. She reached out a trembling hand. Madison hesitated, then gestured for Emma to approach.
“I’m sorry…” Veronica whispered. “I was scared. Ashamed. I didn’t know how to be a mother.”