As Don and Samantha hugged, Amanda crossed her arms and watched the two with a smile. Samantha soon began to cry, her shoulders shaking because of the many emotions she currently felt.
Amanda then gently called out to her, "Hey, Sam." This made Samantha pull away from Don, quickly wiping her tears. "Sorry, I'm just *sniff*" she said, her voice shaky.
She looked at Don, her eyes filled with a mix of joy and sorrow. "I just missed my baby so much." She laughed weakly, adding, "But I can't really call you a baby now, can I? You've grown into a fine young man."
Samantha's expression grew sadder, guilt creeping in over how Don had left. Her heart pounded as she struggled to find the words to apologize. Don, not wanting the awkward atmosphere to persist, said, "You don't look like you've aged at all, Mom. That's probably why you still think I'm a baby." He gave a very faint smile, his tone slow and low.
