Chapter 14 - DENISE AND MIADenise’s case was complicated.
She had participated in concealing Mia.
Used false documents.
Accepted money.
Later allowed Mia to work illegally.
All wrong.
She had also rescued Mia from a burning house.
Fed her.
Raised her.
Sat beside her through fevers.
Loved her in imperfect ways.
Mia eventually asked to see her.
Supervised.
Denise cried the entire time.
“I’m sorry.”
Mia asked:
“Did you love me?”
“Yes.”
“Then why lie?”
Denise looked down.
“Because after the first lie, every truth seemed more dangerous.”
Mia thought.
“That’s dumb.”
Denise laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
Then:
“I was scared I’d lose you.”
Mia answered:
“You did anyway.”
Silence.
But not forever.
Years later, they developed limited contact.
Not mother-daughter exactly.
Not strangers.
May you like
Something honest.
That was better than forcing a label.
