Part 18: The Conversation
One evening, after Mia had graduated and moved back to the city for work, she and Julia sat on the balcony of the old apartment — the one they had lived in together for so many years.
Mia
“Mom, do you ever regret not having more children?”
Julia was surprised by the question.
Julia
“No. Why?”
Mia
“I don’t know. Sometimes I wonder if you felt alone after I left for college.”
Julia reached over and took her daughter’s hand.
Julia
“I was never alone, Mia. Even when you were far away, you were still the center of my world. Having you was enough. More than enough.”
Mia was quiet for a while.
Mia
“I want to get married someday. And have kids. But I want to do it differently than how it was done to us.”
Julia smiled.
Julia
“You already are different. You’re stronger and kinder than I was at your age. And you know what real love looks like because you’ve seen what it isn’t.”
Mia leaned her head on Julia’s shoulder.
Mia
“Thanks for showing me what it means to choose myself.”
May you like
Julia kissed the top of her head.
Julia
“Thanks for giving me a reason to become the woman I am today.”
