Emma spoke first.

“You have every right to say whatever you want—to hurt me with your words, to hate me. I know. But life was cruel to me, and I made terrible choices…”

Celina turned her face away.

“That child you ran after at the restaurant—who was she?”

Emma’s voice broke as she answered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“My granddaughter…”

“So, you abandoned me and then had another daughter or son you decided to keep, is that it? You only got rid of me, didn’t you?”

“No, sweetheart, she’s—”

Celina didn’t let her finish. She yanked her hands free and stood as if she’d just been slapped.

“Enough! I’m not your daughter! I don’t want to hear another word!”

Emma rose too, sobbing, desperate.

“Please… just give me a chance to—”

Celina glared at her, cutting her off.

“Nothing justifies a mother giving up her child. Nothing! And I don’t want to hear another word. I will never forgive you. Do you hear me? Whatever pain you’ve felt until now—it’s not enough!”

Emma reached out to touch her, b