MIRIAM
“Miriam?” Mother Liora turned with the candlestick trembling in her hands. Her voice cracked. “My child, is that really you?”
Tears spilled before I could stop them. I sank lower, grabbing her legs. “It’s me, Mother. I’m sorry.”
She lowered herself with effort and cupped my wet face. “You’ve carried this alone all these years?” She stroked my hair while I sobbed into her shoulder. “It’s past, child. It’s past.”
The words only made me cry harder.
When the storm eased, she pulled back and smacked my arm. “Foolish girl! Why not visit even once in twenty years? We thought you were dead!”
“Ow!” I rubbed the spot, pouting. “You still hit like a warrior.”
“Don’t make me put you over my knee,” she glared, then softened. “Where have you been hiding?”
“Human world,” I said, leaning in
