Grace knelt at the gate and reached through it as she waved at my daughter. “Ava, come here! Ava…”

Even my deepest grudges vanished at that moment. After all, Grace was an elderly woman who had a troubled life. Now, she had to face such a thing in her old age. Still, someone had to be responsible for causing this tragedy.

I felt a tear in my eye as I turned away and gulped. I noticed Ava retreating while Grace cried, “Ava, please come here. Don’t you want to see your grandma?”

She appeared frantic, looking around as if seeking help to get inside. I could no longer bear it and approached the gate. Ava saw me and called out, “Mommy!”

She let go of my mom’s hand but didn’t run toward me. Perhaps she was scared, or Grace’s changed appearance made Ava think she was a stranger.

When I reached Grace, I reassured her, “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to her first, okay?”

Grace looked at me tearfully as I spoke.

Meanwhile, my mom softly spoke to Ava, presumably encouraging her to come over. I kne