Reunion Embrace: After 2 and a Half Years

"Mom..." Zero said softly, surprised and guilty to see her standing there.

Zero's voice caught in his throat as he locked eyes with his mother. Emotion welled up inside him, a mix of joy, guilt, and longing. He had prepared himself for a difficult conversation, but now, seeing his mother's face, all the words he had rehearsed vanished from his mind.

His mother, with tears welling up in her eyes, rushed forward and embraced him tightly. The years of separation melted away in that moment, replaced by the warmth and familiarity of a mother's love.

"Zero, my dear, is it really you?" his mother whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

"Yes, Mom, it's me," Zero managed to say, his own voice trembling. "I'm sorry for disappearing without a word. I never meant to cause you so much worry."

Zero felt a lump in his throat, struggling to hold back tears himself. He hugged his mother back tightly, feeling the warmth of her embrace.