Page 75 of Beyond Repair: Part Two
"I just feel so guilty!" she cries.
She's breaking my heart. "I needed time, Mom. You gave me exactly what I needed."
"They could have pushed you harder than your dad and I did."
"Then who knows where we would be? It worked out exactly how it was supposed to. Mr—" I choke, not wanting to say that monster's name ever again. "He'sdead. I have my best friends back and my parents are finally about to have the space to be empty nesters."
"Now you listen here." She pulls back and bends to look me right in the eyes. "If I had it my own selfish way, I'd keep you here with me forever. You're my best friend, Nina Solace. But the unconditional love of a mother means letting go at some point too. You need my arms to loosen so you may spread your wings."
Sniffling, I try to keep myself together, but fail miserably. "Just never too far, okay? I refuse to be too far from you."
"When—If you become a mother, you'll realize any distance is too far. Then you'd be sick of always having me around."
"Never," I vow, and dive into her embrace again. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, my sweet Nina."
