Loreda clung fiercely to her mother, afraid to let her go. “I was afraid you’d leave when I was gone…” When Mom drew back, her eyes were bright and she was smiling. “You are of me, Loreda, in a way that can never be broken. Not by words or anger or actions or time. I love you. I will always love you.” She tightened her hold on Loreda’s shoulders. “You taught me love. You, first in the whole world, and my love for you will outlive me. If you had not come back…” “I’m here, Mom,” Loreda said. “But I learned something last night. And I think it’s important.”
