Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Who among the young and restless hasn't had their fair share of wild days?

But there's a fine line between having fun and losing yourself in it.

There were things Kathleen couldn't outright say, especially when there was no solid proof to back them up. So, she chose her words carefully, hinting with a touch of concern:

"In matters of the heart and the opposite sex, you should tread a bit more carefully. Don't let your confidence blind you to the feelings of others. You don't want to end up with more scars than you can handle."

Corley, confused, replied, "Mom, what are you trying to say?"

Kathleen didn't want to dwell on it any longer and quickly changed the subject: "A few days ago, I spoke with Dr. Corbett. He mentioned that your grandmother's eyesight and overall health have shown significant improvement. It's time we plan a visit."

Dr. Corbett was the esteemed ophthalmologist at Sullivan Medical Center and had been treating Geneva for years.

Kathleen had made it clear to the hospital staff that she wanted to be informed the moment her mother's condition improved.

"You previously mentioned that Grandma was too frail for any shocks and advised against visiting. But now that the doctor has confirmed her health is on the mend, what reason do you have to stop me?" Kathleen's gaze upon Corley spoke volumes, as if anticipating his excuses.

Caught off guard, Corley gently reminded her, "While Grandma's physical health might be better, her emotional state is still fragile. Any undue stress could set her back. It might be best not to disturb her..." "What harm could possibly come from seeing her own daughter?" Despite Corley's careful choice of words, Kathleen exploded, "I'm her daughter, her only daughter! After all these years, why can't she see that?!"

"Mom-"

"It's not just her eyesight that's gone;

it's her heart

ooo! Who has been

there for her through thick and thin? Who has always looked after her And her?!" Kathleen's voice was laced with bitterness and anger, "She's still hung up on Aberdeen!"

"That person is gone! Reduced to dust and memories! Why can't she let go?!"

Aberdeen's name always seemed to shatter Kathleen's composure, leaving her uncharacteristically unhinged.

"Mom! That's too much!" Corley's expression turned icy as Kathleen's words grew more reckless. Every mention of Aberdeen seemed to strip away her mother's poise and rationality.

Kathleen, increasingly agitated, stood up and began pacing the living. room, muttering under her breath, "Have I not done enough? Why, after all these years, can't they forgive me? Was Aberdeen really that perfect? Spoiled and petulant, what does she have that I lack? Is it just the blood tie?"

"Is a foster daughter not as good as a biological one? Then why did they take me in? Why offer me a home but divide their love so unfairly?"

Corley watched silently as Kathleen cycled through complaint, anger, frustration, and anxiety, not uttering a word.

It was only when Kathleen seemed

on the verge of breaking down that

he spoke softly, "How can you

expect forgiveness from Grandma and Grandpa when two left, but only one returned? How can they possibly come to terms with that?"

Kathleen froze, the weight of his words hitting her all at once.