MAYA

I missed the liveliness of Vikky each passing day.

Seeing her lying motionlessness in that hospital bed broke my heart so much.

I felt like I failed as a mother to her.

If only I was more careful and observant, I would have seen this coming and have not let it reach this state.

I couldn't help but cry inside of me seeing the poor young child sick.

My greatest fear was to fail her. I never wanted her to see me as her birth mother, who was uncaring and nonchalant towards her.

I didn't want to be like my own sister. I wanted to be different in a...