The first Dahlia stepped out of the washroom. "Where's Mom?" she asked, glancing at the second Dahlia seated by the window.
"In the garden," the second replied without looking up.
"I'll be back soon," the first Dahlia said softly before leaving the room. As she descended the staircase, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. It felt surreal, as if she were walking through a dream. The steps filled her with a warmth that only a mother's presence could evoke, a comfort she hadn't felt in a long time.
When she reached the garden door, her breath caught. There, standing with her back turned, was her mother, Catherine. Tears welled up in Dahlia's eyes, blurring her vision. Without hesitation, she ran toward her mother and wrapped her arms tightly around her from behind. "Mom," she whispered, her voice trembling as she shut her eyes, savoring the moment.
