Page 148 of Broken Destiny

“Hi,” I said when she answered. “I’m in Vancouver.”

“That’s great. Where are you guys staying? I can come to see you today.”

A small smile touched my lips. “Sounds like a plan.”

I texted her the hotel address and arranged to meet her for lunch.

When she arrived that afternoon, the children spotted her before I did.

“Nan-Nan!” they squealed in unison, racing across the lobby and launching themselves into her arms.

My mother laughed, wrapping them in a tight embrace.

“Ready for the pool?” she asked, her eyes sparkling.

Both children nodded, bouncing on their toes, and we all headed downstairs.

The afternoon sun streamed through the glass ceiling of the indoor pool, casting ripples of light across the water like scattered diamonds. The air carried the scent of chlorine and sunscreen, mixed with the cheerful squeals of children playing nearby.

While Lucas and Emma splashed around with Geeta, my mother and I leaned back in lounge chairs near the edge of the pool.

A server placed two tall glasses of mojitos in front of us, beads of condensation sliding down the sides.

“How come you’re in Vancouver?” she asked, lifting her drink.

I wrapped my fingers around the glass and took a small sip before answering.

Then I told her everything.

Every misunderstanding.

Every accusation.

Every moment that had led me back to this city.

“Now Caleb’s getting married,” I finished, my voice catching despite my effort to remain composed, “and he won’t pick up my calls or text me back.”

My mother listened, and by the time I reached the end of the story, tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Jiya… I…” She covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry about what you’ve been through in your life. You’ve had to deal with so much, plus me.”

I reached for her and pulled her into an embrace, holding her firmly.

“It’s okay, Mom,” I whispered, holding her a little tighter. “It’s all right. We are building a relationship now. That’s what matters. The past doesn’t get to define us anymore.”

The moment the word left my mouth, she froze.

Slowly, she pulled back and stared at me, fresh tears gathering in her eyes.

“You called me Mom,” she whispered shakily, pressing her fingers against her lips.

My throat tightened instantly.

I had not even realized I said it.

A watery laugh escaped her before she shook her head and wiped at her cheeks again.

“I’ve waited so long to hear that,” she admitted softly.