Chapter 69

Later that evening… After dinner had been cleared away and laughter still lingered in the corners of the house, my mother gently took my hand. "Come with me," she said softly, her eyes warm but carrying something deeper. "I want to show you something." Curious, I followed her down the hallway to her bedroom. She slowly walked to the old wooden corner wardrobe and opened it. From the top shelf, she pulled down a small velvet box, faded with time but clearly cherished. "I've been waiting for the right moment," she said, turning to me with a gentle smile. "And I think it's finally here." She opened the box to reveal a delicate gold necklace, simple yet elegant, with a small vintage pendant shaped like a teardrop. I gasped softly. I had seen it in old photos before—worn by my mother on special occasions. "This belonged to your grandmother," she said, her voice growing tender. "She gave it to me on my wedding day. And now, I want you to have it." "M-Mom…" I whispered, overwhelmed, my eyes m