Everything around me fades into a gentle blur as a bright, shimmering light appears. "Hello, my girl," a familiar voice calls, and I turn abruptly, recognition hitting me like a wave.
"Mom!" I cry out, tears streaming down my cheeks. She stands before me, radiant, just as I remember—tall, slim, and breathtakingly beautiful, her skin glowing with an ethereal golden light. I dash into her arms, the warmth of her embrace wrapping around me like a soothing blanket. I sob into her shoulder,
"I missed you so much, Mom," I feel her gentle hands patting my back. Pulling back slightly, she cups my face with both hands, and I see her luminous smile that once lit up my world.
"Apphia, my baby," she whispers, kissing my temple. Another sob escapes my lips, but it feels lighter, buoyed by her pres
