" My baby. We missed you. I'm so glad you're finally home", my mother said as she hugged me tightly.
Beth and Jane were next. Jane took hold of my carriage and wheeled my luggage outside.
" Your father is bringing the car around", she said with a faint smile.
For some reason it seemed like she was finding it difficult to look me in the eye.
I analyzed her face, it looked puffy and even though I had only been away for three months, she looked older to me. Something was different. I saw my dad's car round the corner and park the car in front of us. He came around and kissed me, "hi honey". "Hi Babba".
He proceeded to fill the trunk with my bags. The car ride home was quiet.
I had so much to tell them, but the mood wasn't right. This wasn't familiar. We were awkward.

Later that night, my mother came into my room. She sat down on my bed, shaking, her eyes biting back tears.
I could tell she was battling with herself. Then, I watched as her defenses slipped and she completely fell apart.
Seeing a character, who to me had become untouchable, bulletproof even, completely shatter before me was heart breaking.
It nearly tore me apart. My heartbeat quickened, I could feel the blood rushing, rising to my head, burning my insides as it climbed.
My shakes became one with hers. Her complexion went pale; I watched the color drain.
She looked at me with searching eyes. Eyes that said please forgive me, please understand, It's just something I have to do.
And suddenly, the realization hit me, CLICK and it all made sense; I knew.
My eyes must have shifted, pupils must have dilated, I must have faltered.
Because the only words she could seem to get out were "I'm sorry"."