The letter ended with: โShe didnโt have to stay. But she chose you every single day.
She loved you before you even knew her name. Forgive me for the silence. And love her the way she has loved you completely.โ
I sat in the dusty attic crying until the sun came up. Then I went downstairs. Veronica was making coffee, the same way Dad used to.
I walked up and hugged her from behind.
โMomโฆโ I whispered.
She froze, then turned and held me like she did when I was six. No words needed. Some mothers are chosen by blood. Others are chosen by love that refuses to leave.
Veronica was both. And she always will be.