KEIR
Zoraya and I entered the dining room to find Mom finishing up and arranging the last few dishes with her usual care. Her eyes were misty with emotion as she looked up at us, her face suddenly brightened and softened.
She dropped the last dish and rushed over, warmly embracing Zoraya, and I took advantage of the opportunity to reintroduce them. "It's lovely to meet you," she murmured, her voice thick with genuine happiness.
And it occurred to me then how much this moment meant to her as well. Zoraya's hesitancy vanished as she hugged my mother in return, a small smile appearing on her face.
After a moment, we all moved to the table, and I pulled out a chair for my mate, watching her settle in. I took the seat next to her, catching her eye as Mom began explaining each dish.
Mom
