At my mother’s funeral, a stranger handed me a baby and whispered, “She wanted you to have him.” Suddenly, I was forced to confront secrets, heartbreak, and the real meaning of family, while deciding if I could be the steady presence a little boy needed most.I used to think “home” was something you outgrow.I built a life where nobody asked if I was happy, only if I was reliable.Regional Director at thirty-one. Always traveling. Always “fine.”Then the call came, and everything stopped.It was a stroke, honey. There was nothing the doctors could do. It’s better this way… Your mom went with everything intact until the end.”I barely remembered the flight. I just kept counting breaths and saying her name.My fingers shook as I signed the car rental papers.

I pulled up to our old house and killed the engine, but I didn’t reach for the keys. My hands were locked on the steering wheel, and I watched my knuckles turn white.The porch light was still on, even though it was midday. My mother’s green raincoat dangled crooked on its hook. I sat there, staring at it, until my phone vibrated in my lap.”Are you coming in, Nadia?” Aunt Karen’s voice crackled through the screen, sharp, even when trying to sound gentle.I pushed the door open and stepped onto the path, suitcase bumping behind me. The air smelled like cut grass and someone else’s laundry detergent. I paused in the doorway, fighting the urge to call out for my mom again.unt Karen met me inside, already moving fast. She held out lemon bars with a tight smile.Your mom’s favorites. Try one, will you?”