VaelraThe next morning, I stand in front of Mama's room, contemplating whether to open it or not.She had made breakfast before sunrise and retreated back into her room before I woke up.A neatly folded bundle of dresses sits on the table beside a handwritten note.Take these to Elda. Tell her the new dresses will be finished soon. And don't forget to eat lunch.I stare at the last line for a moment, guilt twisting in my chest.Knocking softly on the door, I whisper, "Mama."There was no reply.Hands tightening around the bundle, I push the door open and find her lying on her side with her back to me.Her shoulders tensing tell me she isn't asleep."I'll be back before dark," I say quietly.She still doesn't respond.The silence hurts more than shouting would have. But I know she will rather keep it all to herself than raise her voice at me.Swallowing around the lump in my throat, I pull the door shut and leave.The sky is dark, the first hints of dawn barely touching the horizon wh
Last Updated : 2026-08-07 Read more