Jordan

Vanessa stands there, seemingly untouched by time, her slender figure and unchanged appearance hinting at a timeless beauty. There's a momentary question lingering as to whether she could truly be the mother of the boys following behind, given the absence of any visible resemblance.

"Vanessa," I call out from the car.

"Welcome to my home. Jordan and Patricia, thank you very much for this. I do not take it lightly," she acknowledges.

"Hi, Rachel. It's so lovely to see you. I'm Vanessa."

"Hi, Mom," Ray greets warmly.

Vanessa's face lights up, glowing with joy like a myriad of stars.

"Can I give you a hug?"

"Yes, please," Ray responds, embracing her eagerly.

"These are my sons, Gabriel and Nathaniel Parker. My husband and their father are late," she announces.

"Sorry for your loss," we chorus, following the boys' greetings.

"It's alright. It was a long time ago. Shortly after I got married to him, he took ill and passed. Let's not waste any further time out here. Let's all go in."

As we