By now both of us were in tears again and back in each other's arms. After a little while she pushed me away, but only far enough to look into my face with a tender smile. "Yes, my darling girl, I do forgive you for whatever unintentional part you played in all this. I hope by now you know I'm always here for you?"

I nodded and she continued, "Well now I know you're always here for me too! After all this, what could ever drive us apart?"

I nodded in agreement and smiled, "You're right, mother, nothing ever can."

But needing to dash, I eyebrowed her a question, she...