[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 were stepping 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, swiftly crossing the gap between us. I still stood frozen in shock and couldn’t even embrace her back. My arms were stiff yet my body trembled as she sobbed against my shoulders, mourning.
Mourning for m
