Maya stopped in front of her mother-in-law, and despite her efforts, the tears came. Mrs. Delilah opened her arms to her, and Maya ran to the only motherly embrace she had ever had in her life. She had received affection, teas, chocolate cake, and clothes from her. And advice too, advice given with love, without accusations and without saying she would end up pregnant as a teenager, like Cicera used to say.
They hugged tightly.
“Do you forgive me for what happened? Do you forgive me?” Maya pleaded, between sobs.
Because of Anésio's love for her, he suffered, was imprisoned, and lost the career he could have had. She would understand if Mrs. Delilah was hurt, it would hurt Maya, but she would understand.
“It's not your fault, dear, and you suffered too.” replied Mrs. Delilah, tenderly.
