Of forgiveness, reconciliation, and discharge.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I moped at the figure, my mouth wide agape. Recognition of who she was, registering in my memory.

"Mum?" The word tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop it.

The woman, an older version of myself, stood in doorway, her eyes locked on mine. "Arielle," she responded.

I couldn't still believe my eyes that my mom was standing a few metres away from me. My gaze shifted to Ashley, who looked guilty. "You snitch!" I growled.

She took a step back, hands raised in defense. "I'm sorry, I had to inform her. You need your mum, Arielle."

My mom's presence stirred up different emotions within me. We hadn't spoken for years, not since I got married to Jared. Seeing her now felt awkward. I didn't think I would see her soon. My mom's eyes were sober, devoid

of it's usual defiance and condemnation as she took slow steps toward me. "Arielle, my child," she whispered.

I felt a lump in my throat, my stomach churning. How long has it been since she called me that? Ten years? Twenty? I couldn't remember. It was almost like she never called me that.

Ashley broke the silence, "I'll give you two some space." She slipped out of the room, closing door behind her.

My mom resumed walking towards me, and stopped beside the bed. Her hand hovered over me, like she was scared to touch me.

"I'm so sorry, my dear. I had no idea... about the accident, else, I would have hurried down here as soon as I can. No mother would have held on to a grudge when their child was in danger.

at the corners of my eyes, but I held them back. I wasn't ready for this encounter, not yet. "What are you doing here, Mrs

wasn't to blame, calling

you hate me, but

heart reaching out to her against my will. "Let's start with why you're here now," I said, finally.

to be there for you, for once, as a mother." I stared at her intently, and my eyes became cloudy. It's been long I saw her speak with such kindness towards me. How long was it? Since highschool, after Dad moved out of the house without warning,

with her became hell as she would never support anything I do. My decision to become a chef,

took out the frustration of you and Dad's separation on me, like it was

here for

time. I

over and placed a kiss on my cheek. "I'll

the door closed behind her. It went open again, and I

kill you," I

**************

to leave the hospital.

as we put my belongings into a small bag.

of my mom, she

after our

even spending the night

Our relationship was still strained, but

would you love to wear?" She asked, holding out two dresses for me to choose from.

yellow. I paused

thing for yellow; it represented sunshine and hope.

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