Stop Apologizing

Pandora chuckled but nodded at her.

"As for the sickness, it's just a part of it. I'm sure your own mom has told you this already, but it comes with the territory."

Pandora dropped her eyes and shook her head. "My mom is not in the picture," she said without pause as if she could tell her anything.

Benjamin's mom stopped walking and hugged her tightly. "Oh, my dear child, I am so sorry."

Pandora patted her back, feeling a strange warm, and unconditional love from her hug.

Benjamin's mom pulled back and winked at her. "Come on, dear. By the way, I'm Lana," she said as they started walking again.

"Pandora," she replied, smiling back at her and she gave Pandora a small nod.

"Mom? Pandora?" Benjamin said as he saw both of them walking toward him.

"Ben, this poor girl was sick in the bathroom. I am just helping her back up here."

Benjamin gave Pandora a frown and took over from his mom to hold her up. "I think we need to try another injection," he said and Pandora nodded at him.