[GISELLE’s Point-of-View]

I just stood there, speechless.

The old woman turned, and our eyes met. I struggled with the emotions in me as if I stepped on a minefield, dreading where to step next without blowing myself up to pieces.

“Mom?” I breathed. My lungs felt like rubber, and my lips trembled. It’s been years since I last saw her. I couldn’t believe it was my Mom…she got much older than her age. But then I was away for so long and I didn’t know the things she suffered over those years.

,

My eyes went to her and to that framed picture on the altar.

“My baby…” Mother cried...