I gave her a small nod and sat on the bed as she settled beside me. Something deep within urged me to pull her into an embrace, and I did. She clung to me tightly, and in that moment, I could sense the storm of questions swirling in her mind, mirroring the chaos in mine.
Why would a mother stab those people? What kind of mother would do that? What truly killed her? as she a villain? Or was it something else entirely? The doubts, the confusion—they spun relentlessly in my head.
Ariel turned to me, her eyes filled with concern. "Mom, are you sure you're okay?"
I forced a faint smile, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I will be," I said softly. "I'm just struggling to piece together my memories. By the time I'm done, I'll be fine. I promise."
