Three years later: "Look who came back!" I open my arms wide as my mom rushes to embrace me. Her familiar warmth engulfs me, and I hug her tightly, breathing in her comforting scent of lavender and flour. I haven't seen her in three years, and the ache of that time apart melts away as she squeezes me like she never wants to let go. "I missed you, Mom," I say, my voice thick with emotion. She pulls back just enough to look at me, her tear-streaked face lit with joy. "I missed you too, sweetheart," she sniffs, brushing my hair back as though she's making sure it's really me. I do the same, noting the streaks of grey in her fawn colored hair. "Mommy!" A little tug on my legs pulls my attention down. My toddler, Ethan, is half-hidden behind me, his tiny fingers gripping my jeans. His little head is tilted to one side as he stares at Mom in childish wonder. Mom goes rigid, her eyes wide as she gapes from me to him, then back to me. My smile is tentative–I didn't mention my mo
Last Updated : 2025-01-04 Read more