Mary covered her face, trembling. Her words came out in a broken whisper. "I hated him… I hated the baby… but I couldn't let him suffer."
Aurora's voice was filled with compassion. "I know, Mother. I know how conflicting your feelings have been. You didn't hate Alex, but you hated the situation. You carried guilt, shame, and sorrow."
Mary sobbed even harder. "I couldn't bring myself to love him… He looked like his father."
Aurora held her mother tightly, her own eyes moist. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that. No one should carry such pain alone."
She paused. "But if you keep hiding, if you continue to avoid him, maybe neither of you will ever be free."
Aurora continued speaking, her voice gentle but firm.
"After all, both of you love each other. I know how hard it is to let go of the hatred. I am not in any place to ask you to let go of your hatred, especially knowing that you are innocent too."
Her eyes were soft, full of understanding.
