“Thank you my dear…thank you very much,” Vera said, her hands trailing my face softly.

My eyes closed and I leaned into her comforting touch.

Tears gathered in my eyes, and one treacherous drop escaped through, drawing a pattern around my cheek.

“It’s okay aunty…I’ll do anything for you,” I said with conviction knowing I meant my words. I will actually do anything for her—she has sacrificed so much for me, even to the extent of going against her own family. I guess I am ...