The mother and daughter stared at each other for several seconds, their eyes brimming with unshed tears. It was as if they were traversing through time and space, silently communicating their inner sorrow.
Annie Anne, in a daze, reached out to touch Olivia Thompson's warm cheek and murmured, "Annie… my little Annie."
On the other hand, Olivia pursed her lips, raised her hand, and gently wiped away the tears on Annie's face with her soft fingers. In a soft, tender voice, she said, "Mommy, don't cry. Annie is here with you."
Upon hearing this, Annie's eyes widened in surprise and delight. She quickly held onto Olivia's hand, her voice trembling, "Annie… What did you call me?"
She started crying again: "Annie, are you not mad at Mommy?"
"I'm sorry, my dear. Mommy shouldn't have forgotten you."
"I've cruelly left you alone for so many years. Don't you hate me?"
Each word she spoke felt like an admission to a crime, an attempt to apologize.