In my most rebellious and extreme teenage years, I often anguished over the thought:

If I were to die,

Would they regret it?

Would my mother shed even a single tear for me?

Now, I finally know.

After the guard’s words,

She simply replied, “Oh.”

And then hung up.

As if nothing had happened, she opened the door, brought the mangoes inside, and began peeling them.

Perhaps by accident, she cut her finger while peeling.

She held up her injured finger and went to the living room to get the first aid kit.

It was then that Abelard pushed the door open.

He looked panic-stricken and helpless, his lips trembling....