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.

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

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

I wasn't there for you. I know you hate me, but I want to make things right. Just the thought

studied her face, my heart reaching out to her against my will. "Let's start

When Ashley called, I knew I had to come. I want to be there for you, for once, as a

would never support anything I do. My decision to become a chef, and to marry Jared,

treated me badly. You took out

me be here for you now. We can take things a

"I need some time.

She rose to her feet, leaned over and placed a

door closed

you,"

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

experience," I thought to myself as I prepared to

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

my

after

spending

still strained, but

She asked, holding out two dresses for me to

other yellow. I paused

a thing for yellow; it represented sunshine and

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