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.

I

I addressed her formally. I wasn't to blame, calling her mum

me you had an accident. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I know you hate me, but I want to make things right.

my will. "Let's start with why you're here now," I said, finally. "Have a

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

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

voice trembling. "You treated me badly. You took out the frustration of you and Dad's separation on me,

please, let me be here for you now.

nodded. "I need some time.

was hurt, she did well masking. She rose to her feet, leaned over and placed a kiss on my cheek.

after the door closed behind her. It went open

kill you,"

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

I prepared to leave the hospital.

was helping me pack, while we chatted idly as we put my belongings into a small bag. Ashley was absent because she had gone to settle the hospital

my mom,

frequently after our

even spending

strained, but

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

the other yellow.

dresses. I've always had a thing for yellow; it represented sunshine

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