**Elena**
The fresh smell of earth and the faint hint of damp grass wrapped around me as I stood in front of Mom’s grave. The morning air felt soft and quiet.
Last night with Xavier was… fun. Strange, even. But this morning was about Mom.
I pulled the mask from my face and set it down beside me. My brown pants rubbed on the grass as I sank to my knees. The earth felt cold. Somehow, it felt right.
“Hi, Mom,” I said softly, brushing a few dried leaves from the stone. “How are you? It’s been too long.”
My voice shook, and I pressed my palm to the top of the grave. “I’m sorry Dad couldn’t make it this year. You know how he is… struggling, on that damn hospital bed.”
I placed the bouquet down carefully, touching the petals as if she could feel it.
“Mom, I miss you every day.” I wiped m
