Ma walked over to the couch, her steps heavy with emotion, and sat down. Aunty Sherlene stayed close, holding her arm in quiet support. Maurice and I followed, taking our seats cautiously as the weight of the moment settled over all of us.
Maurice broke the silence first, his voice soft but steady. "Ma, I didn't mean any disrespect. You've been like the mother I never had. I owe you a lot—more than I can even say." He paused, his eyes full of the same confusion and pain I felt. "But I need to understand... Why did you hide such a big secret from me?"
Ma closed her eyes for a moment as if gathering strength, and when she opened them, they were filled with a sorrow so deep it made my heart ache. She took a shaky breath and began to speak, her voice tinged with regret.