James pulled her closer, wrapping an arm gently around her shoulders.

“You’re a strong woman, Emma. And a brave mother. You’ve faced everything with dignity. One day, Celina will see that. Sooner or later, she’ll see the woman you’ve become—and she’ll want to know you. She’ll want to listen.”

Emma rested her head on his chest, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

“And when that day comes,” she whispered, “I’ll be right here. Arms open.”

The silence that followed was soft, broken only by the steady rh