8

It was true. As a child, I loved candy, but Mom only gave it to Finn and not me. The spoiled brat would taunt me before devouring it in front of me, and I eventually stopped eating candy altogether. I took a step back and shook my head. Flustered, she rubbed her hands together and said, "Right… You're all grown up now. I still think of you as a child." I studied her for a long time before calling out, "Mom." "Yes?" she answered immediately before I could speak another word. Then, I continued, "I don't blame you, Mom. But I don't think I can ever forgive you." Her fingers twisted into her sleeves as she lowered her head and muttered, "That's okay. I deserve it. You shouldn't forgive me, either." Afraid I'd lose control, I turned and left without saying a word. That night, Hazel received a call. "Your mother's condition worsened. She bit through her tongue and took her life. She was beyond saving by the time we found her. We're sorry for your loss." With my time nearly up, I vi