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.

them back. I wasn't ready

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

watering. "Ashley called me. She told me you had an accident. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I know you hate me, but I want to make

her against my will. "Let's start with why

vacated. "I've regretted every moment we spent apart. Regretted judging you in the past and never supporting most of your decisions. When Ashley called, I knew I had to come. I want 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

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

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

be here for you now. We can take things a step at a

time. I think you should

well masking. She rose to her feet, leaned over and placed a kiss on my cheek. "I'll come back soon. Get some rest," she said,

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

you,"

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

to myself as I prepared to leave the hospital. My therapy sessions were

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

my mom, she

frequently after

spending the

strained, but

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

the other yellow.

a thing for yellow; it represented sunshine and hope. I pointed to

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