Chapter 7

Chapter 7

I took Milo to see my mom. Before getting out of the car, I knelt down to look at him. “Baby, the lady inside is Mommy’s mom—call her Grandma. And the man with her… call him Grandpa.” I still hadn’t fully accepted him, but I’d made peace with it.

Milo nodded. I knocked on the door.

A middle-aged man opened it—Mom’s husband, Mr. Lee, a high school math teacher. He was kind, and he treated Mom well.

“Clara! Come in, come in!” He greeted me warmly.

Milo peeked out from behind me, curious. “Who’s this?” Mr. Lee asked.

“My son.” I patted Milo’s head.

He was a sweet, talkative boy—no idea where he got that from. He ran to Mr. Lee, hugged his leg, and chirped, “Grandpa!” Mr. Lee laughed and lifted him up. It was a lovely sight.

“Who’s there?” A woman’s voice called. Mom walked out, apron on, holding a spatula. Time had faded her beauty, but made her softer.

Milo stared at her, then at me. “Mommy! You look the same!” His shocked tone made everyone laugh.

“Mom, I’m home.” I looked at her—wrinkles around her eyes, a few gray hairs—and teared up.

“Welcome back, dear.” She clutched the spatula nervously. Just like me, I thought. She grabs things when she’s anxious. I laughed through my tears.

That night, I insisted on sleeping with Mom. Mr. Lee took the couch. Milo slept soundly on the inside. After tucking him in, I lay down.

“Clara, don’t hate me. I had no choice but to leave back then.” Mom’s voice was hoarse in the dark. “I know you suffered. I could only watch from afar. Now… you’re a mom too.”

I listened quietly. I knew she needed to let go of her guilt.

“I saw it when you walked in—you’re not happy. When you’re happy, your eyes light up. I think it’s about Milo’s dad. I won’t interfere—kids have their own lives. But I regret it, Clara. I was cowardly. I left you to suffer alone. But seeing Milo… I know you’re doing great. You’ve poured all your love into him.”

I rolled over and hugged her, just like when I was little. Her embrace was warm. “I hated you. But not anymore. Being a mom made me understand—sometimes you have to make hard choices.”

I breathed in her scent, then asked, “Tell me about the old days. Please.”

“When I first had you, I felt strange. A stranger had come into my life, and I had to share my family with her. We had a mortgage, and your dad and I fought about money all the time. But you’d lie in your cradle and smile at me, and suddenly… it was worth it. When we finally had a little money, you got sick. We’d rush you to the hospital, panicking. Your dad and I would shake our heads and say, ‘Our little troublemaker.’ Life was simple, but happy. Later, he started working late, drinking too much. He’d come home vomiting, but he’d hold me and say, ‘I want the best for my wife and baby girl.’ I was 心疼，but happy. We had a perfect family. When he died… I didn’t cry. I promised him I wouldn’t—so he’d find me in the next life. When you got into college, I felt like a string inside me snapped. I wanted to join him. But I was scared he’d hate me for leaving you. Then I got sick. When I couldn’t take it anymore, Mr. Lee stopped me. He saved me. I was desperate for help, so I went with him. I left you…”

She held me tighter. “But now… all I love is here.”

I hugged her back, closing my eyes.

After a few days, I took Milo home—I had designs to finish. On the way, I was so focused on sketching ideas that I didn’t see the car in front of me stop.

Crash.

Luckily, it was just a scratch—no one was hurt. I held Milo in my arms and got out to apologize

. A familiar woman stepped out of the other car.

Lila Carter.

I stared at her, shocked. The first time we met, we fought our way to the hospital. Now, we’d crashed into each other. Destiny, I thought.

We looked at each other and laughed—like old times. I’d let go of Owen, and she’d forgiven me for vanishing.