For three months, Mia’s mom insisted she stay away while renovations took place at the house. But when Mia arrived unannounced, something felt off. The garden was overgrown, and the door, unusually, was unlocked. The house was spotless but had a strange citrus smell in the air.

Mia called for her mother, but there was no answer. Climbing the stairs, she found her mom frail and sick in bed. Shocked, Mia learned the truth—her mother had been battling cancer for months and hadn’t told her.

“I didn’t want to burden you,” her mom explained, tears in her eyes. Mia, devastated, reminded her that family is about being there for each other, no matter what.

Mia moved in with her mother, spending the final days together, sharing memories, laughing, and crying. As her mom’s condition worsened, Mia never left her side. One day, as they embraced, her mother quietly passed away.

Mia held on for a long time, heartbroken but grateful for the precious time they had. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing she had ever done, but Mia knew love meant showing up, even in the darkest moments.