The apartment was modest but lovely, filled with sunlight and a small balcony where Margaret could continue her gardening, nurturing new lavender plants. As she unpacked her belongings, she found an old photo of Emily as a child, her face smeared with dirt from their gardening adventures.

Margaret smiled, feeling the familiar warmth of love and hope.

A week later, Emily stood at her mother’s door, having discovered her secret.

She looked hesitant, her confident facade chipped away by the weight of guilt and regret. Margaret, her heart a mixed palette of emotions, invited her in. Emily’s voice trembled as she apologized, tears pooling in her eyes. She spoke of the pressures she faced and the fear of failure that had blinded her to what truly mattered.