Ariana’s bag slipped from her shoulder as she rushed to the bedside. Her eyes were wide and wet with unshed tears, her hands trembling as she held onto her mother’s. “You… you look—” She couldn’t finish. Her voice was trembling with disbelief. “You look amazing, Mum.”
Her mother chuckled softly, her eyes glistening with affection. “You should’ve seen the way I looked a few weeks ago. It’s a miracle what modern medicine can do.”
Ariana laughed shakily, tears of relief welling up. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here for the surgery. I—I had to work, Mum. I needed to…”
Her mother reached up and touched her cheek gently. “Hush, darling. You don’t need to apologize. You’ve done more than enough for me. I’m sorry I caused you so much trouble.”
Ariana swallowed hard and shook her head, her eyes burni
