"Rachael, I'm so sorry," Victoria said, her voice cracking. "I was so caught up in my own world, I didn't realize what I was missing. Your childhood, your milestones... I wasn't there for you."
As they talked, the café began to empty, and the staff started cleaning up. Rachael glanced at her watch; they had been there for hours. "Mom, I think it's time we went home," she said.
Rachael took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions. She had longed for her mother's presence and love, but the pain of the past made it hard to trust. "You weren't there for me, Mom. But I'm an adult now. I want us to try to move forward."
Rachael nodded. "Yes, we're going to start fresh, together."