I'm glad that you feel that way, Hayden. I can feel how you've grown, and though I'm happy for you, I feel kind of sad as well because I know I won't be able to shield you from everything from now on. At some point, you will leave me and fly off."

"Mom, no matter where I am, I will always come back to you when you need me."

"I don't need you to worry about me. Just be happy, do what you love most and meet people who share your dream... Just like how you are deciding to not interfere with my life decisions, I will do the same."

Avery returned to her room with relief after talking to Hayden and found Layla lying on her bed with her doll, looking at her with a drowsy smile.

"Mommy, have you talked to Hayden?"

"Yeah." Avery walked toward the bed and looked at Layla with a gentle smile. "Your brother hasn't been able to make peace with your dad throughout the years, and I wanted them to stop acting like they were strangers or enemies."

"And what did Hayden say?" Layla batted her eyes