"I can't help but blame myself. I was out partying when my baby was feeling unwell. What sort of a mother does that?" I asked Nina.

"Don't be too hard on yourself. Nadia and I are taking good care of her. And you are still young. You don't need to let her deprive you of the joy of being a teenager..........."

"And a mother. I am a mother, Nina. She needs me."

She touched my shoulders again and her hand felt warm against my silky dress. She was glowing these days and I guess I was meant to help her devise a way to be happy, whereas I was angry,...