My daughter banned me from her wedding after I questioned the man she was about to marry. She thought I was trying to ruin her happiness, but I knew something she didn’t. And I wasn’t about to let her make the biggest mistake of her life.
It was one of those quiet, golden Saturday mornings. The kind where sunlight pours through the window like warm honey, and everything feels slower, softer.
I sat by the front window with my old green watering can, gently giving life to my geraniums, my ivy, and the little violets I’d coaxed back from the dead last fall.
They didn’t talk, didn’t ask questions, didn’t judge me when I moved slower or sighed for no reason. They just grew. Maybe that’s why I liked them so much.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I was turning 60 soon. Not old, but not young either. At that age, you start preparing to be alone more than you’re not.
Pearl had her own life now. I didn’t want to bother her with my thoughts, feelings, or anything that might weigh her down.
It was one of those quiet, golden Saturday mornings. The kind where sunlight pours through the window like warm honey, and everything feels slower, softer.
I sat by the front window with my old green watering can, gently giving life to my geraniums, my ivy, and the little violets I’d coaxed back from the dead last fall.
They didn’t talk, didn’t ask questions, didn’t judge me when I moved slower or sighed for no reason. They just grew. Maybe that’s why I liked them so much.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I was turning 60 soon. Not old, but not young either. At that age, you start preparing to be alone more than you’re not.
Pearl had her own life now. I didn’t want to bother her with my thoughts, feelings, or anything that might weigh her down.
Still, I missed her—missed the days when she’d flop onto my couch and spill her heart over tea and crackers like it was the most natural thing in the world.
The doorbell rang—sharp, sudden. It snapped the quiet in half.
I wiped my hands on my apron and hurried over, heart thudding faster than it should’ve.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
And there she was—Pearl. My daughter. Her cheeks flushed pink from the breeze, her hair tucked behind one ear, and her smile stretched wide like sunshine.
She held a white box with the word “Bakery” printed in neat gold letters.
“Hey, Mama!” she said brightly.
I nearly cried, just at the sight of her. My girl. My Pearl.
She stepped in like she belonged there, and of course, she did. We sat down in the living room. I brought out the old blue teapot and poured us a cup.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She curled up on the sofa just like she used to, knees pulled under her.
“So,” I asked, hands wrapped around my warm mug, “what’s the special occasion?”
She giggled and held up her left hand, wiggling her fingers. A small diamond caught the light.
“You got engaged?” I gasped, setting my cup down quickly before I dropped it.
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