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The mother and her two daughters stared at one another blankly for a long moment.
They were stunned—even Maria.
So much had happened.
Their paths had diverged, and at one point the entire family had fractured.
Jessica honestly didn't know what to say right now.
"I'm sorry…"
That was all that came from her mouth once she realized this was real.
"I'm sorry… for leaving you behind…"
Laura and Fran looked at their mother. Their eyes slowly widened.
"It's all my fault… I…"
But her daughters stepped forward. Fran hugged her tightly, giving her the warmth her cold body had long forgotten.
"What are you talking about?" Fran sighed.
"Mom… I missed you…" Laura cried.
"…!"
Jessica's face twisted into tremendous sorrow. Tears spilled from her eyes.
Her hands remained frozen; she couldn't yet hug her dear daughters back.
Was she even worthy of their love anymore?
After what she had become?
After everything she had done?
