Mia spent three nights in the hospital.

By the time she was discharged, it was New Year’s Eve and snowflakes had begun swirling in the skies. On the way back in the car, she kept blaming herself.

“Age has caught up to me. My legs aren’t working as well as they should! I hate that I keep making your life difficult.

“I’ve thought about it, Zoe. I’ll give myself a few more days until Jamie is three years old. Then, I’ll check myself into the retirement home. That way, I’ll be surrounded by people my age and make some friends.”

Zoe kept her eyes on the road ahead so she could drive safely, but she said, “How I could let you spend the twilight of your life in an old folks home, Mia?!”

She continued softly, “So many things happened lately that I haven’t exactly spent any time with you! Now that Mason’s fully recovered, he could help with the kids and I could take you to travel the world.”

Mia remained quiet after that.

After a brief moment, she said gently, “He's only just recover