Later that day, her mother, Emilia, joined her in the kitchen.

The two women sat at the table, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea filling the air.

This had always been their routine in the past. Emilia loved tea, and though Camille usually preferred iced tea, she indulged her mother, enjoying moments like these.

Emilia reached out and took Camille’s hand, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I know we’ve talked about this before, but I just want to tell you again that I’m sorry,” she began, her voice trembling. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me the most. I was so caught up in everything...