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.

but I held them back. I wasn't ready for this encounter, not yet. "What are you doing here, Mrs

formally. I wasn't to blame, calling her mum after three years felt weird and

I know you hate me, but I want to make things right. Just the thought of almost losing my only child is traumatizing," at this last words,

my will. "Let's start

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

out on me. Living with her became hell as she would never support anything I do. My decision to become a chef, and to marry Jared, even though she had been on my neck to get

badly. You took

please, let me be here for you now. We can take things a step at

need some time.

masking. She rose to her feet, leaned over and placed a kiss on

my head in my palm after the door closed behind her. It went open again, and I looked up,

you," I

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

as I prepared to leave the hospital.

me pack, while we chatted idly as we put my belongings into a small bag. Ashley was absent because she

my mom, she

frequently after our

spending the night

relationship was still strained, but we

you love to wear?" She asked, holding out two dresses

other yellow.

always had a thing for yellow; it represented sunshine and hope. I

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