Acceptance

Abby's father sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping under the weight of years of unspoken truths and suppressed emotions. His voice, thick with emotion, cut through the stifling silence that enveloped the room.

"Abby, you need to understand," he began, his voice trembling with a mixture of regret and resignation. "Your mother passed away 21 years ago, and since then, Martha has been a constant presence in our lives. She's been there for us since you were a child, helping us through some of the darkest moments."

Abby's heart clenched at the mention of her mother, the memories of her fading smile and gentle touch flooding her mind like a torrential downpour. Guilt gnawed at the edges of her anger, threatening to consume her with its relentless grip.