⠀
— Mom, the operation is over. The doctors say you did well.
⠀
I tried to smile.
⠀
— And your stomach?
⠀
— It's not what it used to be.
⠀
He laughed lightly, but his eyes were red.
⠀
The results of the pathological examination came a few days later.
⠀
The formation was benign.
⠀
When the doctor broke the news, Daniel covered his face with his hands.
⠀
I hadn’t seen him cry like that since his father’s funeral.
⠀
Recovery was slow. I needed help walking, getting dressed, and doing things I used to do myself.
⠀
But my children organized themselves without me asking.
⠀
Daniel came in the morning, my oldest daughter cooked my meals, and my second son took care of the shopping and doctor’s appointments.
⠀
One Sunday, after almost two months, we all gathered at my house.
⠀
The grandchildren were running around the yard, the great-grandchildren were fighting over a ball, and Sorina brought a big tray of apple pie.
⠀
Daniel sat down next to me.
