Bonds

Chapter 90

-Maya POV-

The air hung heavy, thick with the unspoken weight of years. To be hated by both of your own parents- the very thought sent a fresh wave of pain crashing over me. Could anything be more devastating, more soul–crushing?

“No. I don’t hate you, Amaya.”

The words washed over me, a gentle wave breaking through the storm raging within. I stared at her, searching her eyes, desperately seeking

confirmation of what I hoped was the truth.

And I found it.

There was no pity, no condescension, just a deep, raw honesty that resonated deep within my soul.

She didn’t hate me.

She didn’t and the words tumbled out of me in a rush, “I’m sorry, sorry I was a constant reminder of what you’d never have. Sorry that father’s heart was starting to thaw and then I came along and froze it solid again. Lam so sorry.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but I held up a hand, silencing her for a moment. “I’m not finished. I’m sorry I chose him, but I will not apologize for choosing love. For choosing someone who showed me what it meant to be cherished when I was treated like an afterthought in my own home.”

My voice shook with anger now. “You were never there for me, Mom. The maids practically raised me. You never stood up for me, never had my back. I’m sorry for any pain I caused you, but you never gave me a reason to choose you in the first place.”

Her eyes flashed with hurt, a flicker of anger briefly replacing the sadness. But then, just as quickly, it subsided, replaced by a weary

acceptance.

“I know. That’s why I called you. That’s why I asked you to bring the twins.Because I’m tired of this charade. Tired of living a life filled with regrets. I want to know what it feels like to be a mother,a grandmother, to these beautiful children.”

She reached out a hand, hesitantly hovering in the space between us. I stared at it, a fragile offering of peace after years of unspoken war. Looking into her eyes, I saw a reflection of myself, a woman yearning for connection, for a family. The anger slowly receded, replaced by a cautious hope.

build a

i don’t just know,” I admitted, my voice thick with emotion. “But for

smile touched her lips, “Thank you, Amaya,” she whispered, her

only sound was the distant chirping of birds and the faint hum of Insects in the warm afternoon sun, alongside the twins excited chatter. sat

the grass, a tiny figure squealing with delight.

10:30 Sat, 22 Jun

Chapter 90

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grin plastered across her face. In her outstretched hand, she clutched a crumpled butterfly,

disheveled.

she shricked, stopping right in front

“Wow, Ivy! That’s a beautiful butterfly,” I exclaimed, reaching out a finger to gently touch its delicate

you hold it?” she asked, tilting her head

my palm. “See how gentle you

against my skin then surprisingly

if my hesitation, Ivy reached out, tugging my hand towards my mother. “Seel” she insisted, her voice laced with a hint of

know them but I still wasn’t sure. We had only met in the middle barely minutes ago so I still wasn’t sure but with deep breath, I

at the butterfly I stretched out to her but me, after a moment, she finally looked at it then smiled at

trembled, tears welling up in her eyes and her mood

lips, “Butterflies don’t like to be held. They need to be free

furrowed. “Free?” she asked, a hint of

nodded. “Yes, free. Just like you, they need to fly around

it go even

deserves to be

as the butterfly, freed from

lips. “Bye–bye, butterfly,” she whispered, waving a tiny hand. “Go

the butterfly vanished over the trees, I looked at my mother. I could help the smile that had registered itself in my face. I wanted this, this relationship. I didn’t realize just how much I did until this moment. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for us to build a new kind of relationship, one based on understanding and acceptance. And perhaps, in the process, we could both learn to appreciate the beauty and freedom of the world around us, just like the butterfly that had flown away but it was short

the innocent joy of the butterfly’s release vanished in an instant. It was like

are the bastard’s children doing in

10:30 Sat, 22 Jun