When I saw her walking toward me, pushing a stroller and holding a little girl’s hand, I forgot how to breathe!
She looked different — thinner, older, her once-long hair now short and tousled. There were lines around her eyes, a weight in her shoulders.
But she was still Hannah. My Hannah!
I stood as she approached, unsure whether I should hug her. She chose for me.
Hannah dropped the stroller handle and stepped into my arms.
“Hi, Mom,” she whispered against my shoulder.
I clung to her as if I were afraid she’d disappear again!
She introduced me to Emily and Zoey, and I smiled through tears as I watched them play on the swings. We sat on the bench together, shoulder to shoulder, as if no time had passed.
“They know about you,” she said. “Emily asks a lot of questions.”
“I’d love to get to know them,” I said softly.
She nodded.
“I want that too.”
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