The smell of freesia flowers, seawater and mild sweat flooded my nostrils as I hugged my mother. I could not put into words just how much I missed her. After spending what seemed like entire lifetimes in the Second Circle of Hell, the few short moments that I embraced Amara felt like forever. I savored every breath of it.
"I've longed for you, my boy," Amara whispered to my heart in between her quiet sobs. Looking up, she let go of me. Her palms cupped my face as she searched my grey eyes with hers. Tears were flowing like rivers down the sides of her cheeks. "I thought I lost you," she cooed, brushing away the hair that fell over my forehead with her right hand.
I kept my gaze locked with hers, afraid that she would disappear if I blinked. "You are not losing me again, mother. I promi
