Mia hadn’t seen her mother in three months—an unusual stretch for them. Her mom insisted on renovations as the reason, but something felt off. Unable to ignore her concerns, Mia drove across town one morning to surprise her.

When she arrived, the house was pristine, yet lifeless. The garden, once her mother’s pride, was overgrown. The front door was unlocked—highly unusual. Stepping inside, she was met with a sharp, sterile scent. “Mom?” she called. No answer.

Then, a creaking noise upstairs. Her heart pounded as she entered the bedroom, only to find a frail, unrecognizable version of her mother. “Mia?” her mom whispered. “You aren’t supposed to be here.”

Tears welled in Mia’s eyes as she took in the scarf covering her mother’s head. “I have cancer,” her mom confessed. “I didn’t want to burden you.”

Mia’s voice cracked. “You should have told me. I should have been here.”

She stayed, holding her mother through her final days. As her mother whispered, “You’re so strong, my amazing daughter. I love you,” Mia knew she would never regret showing up when it mattered most.