Leaving

"Anne."

Crystal ran to Anne when she came out of Rayan's car. She pulled her daughter in her embrace and kissed her cheeks, forehead, nose. "Are you... okay, Princess?" She cupped her face. Anne looked pale. She was so afraid of course.

Anne nodded. "I'm okay mom. Don't worry." She assured her mother with a pale smile. "Though some uncle tied my hands, they fed me. They weren't bad." She smiled in her mother's embrace.

Crystal's tears started rolling down to her cheeks. "Mom is sorry, Princess. Mom is really sorry." She sobbed.

"Dad is also sorry."

They looked behind them where Rayan was standing. Anne pulled away and wiped her mother's tears. "Dad has told me the same thing continuously in the car. I don't know why you two are sorry. But Anne is strong. I'm really okay. Don't cry."

Crystal tried to smile but she could not filter out her real smile. "I know my Anne is strong." Then