The Day I Finally Saw My Mother

Real fear.

The kind that doesn’t disappear just because someone you love walks into the room.

That’s when something inside me shifted—quietly, permanently.

“Put the mop down,” I told her.

She hesitated… then obeyed.

Always obedient.

Always careful.

Always trying not to cause problems.

Verónica let out a small laugh, trying to regain control of the moment.

“See? She doesn’t listen unless someone tells her firmly. I’ve been saying the same thing—”