**Quinn's POV**

I backed away until I fell when she tried to touch me. I shook my head. "Where have you been all this time? Why did you only show up when I was about to die?"

She stopped. Her outstretched hand dropped back down. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness."

I laughed bitterly. "After all these years. Why now?" Mom was silent. She looked at me with teary eyes. "Don't look at me like that. Don't make me feel guilty."

"No, sweetheart, you're not to blame at ...