Maria

As I sat in my favorite armchair, reflecting on my life, I couldn't help but think about my son, Xavier. Had I truly given him the best possible life? The answer, I realized with a pang of guilt, was no.

I had been a distant, uninvolved mother, never taking the time to understand my son's desires or dreams. Instead, I had dictated his path, choosing his career and making decisions on his behalf, right from a young age.

A few years ago, Xavier had brought Phoebe to meet me, telling me about his plans to marry her and how much he loved her. But I had refused to accept...