She walked into the living room same time Dalia was coming in. She smiled when she saw mommy. "Mommy, I am back. Good evening. I hope I met you in good health," she spoke excitedly. "Welcome back. We're fine here. Hope your mother is doing okay," she retorted nonchalantly as she crossed her hands behind her back and gazed at dalia from head to toe.

Her smile disappeared while she swallowed hard. She nodded slowly, "ye-yes she's doing great." She massaged her arm nervously, head ducked. ...