Chapter 7: Family Ties

Aveny listened anxiously as the voice on the other end of the line responded to her hesitant greeting. Her mother's voice, filled with surprise and concern, washed over her like a wave of nostalgia.

"Aveny? Is that really you?" her mother exclaimed, the disbelief evident in her tone. "It's been so long since we last spoke. Where have you been?"

Aveny took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "I know, Mom. I'm sorry for disappearing like that," she replied, her voice tinged with regret. "But I need to talk to you about something important. Can we meet?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, as if her mother was considering the request. Finally, she spoke again, her voice softer this time. "Of course, Aveny. I'd love to see you. Let's meet for lunch tomorrow, okay?"

Relief washed over Aveny as she agreed to the meeting, grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with her mother after so many years apart. She knew that their relationship had been strained in the past, but she hoped that this could be a chance to mend old wounds and forge a new beginning.

The next day, Aveny arrived at the quaint little café where she had arranged to meet her mother. As she stepped inside, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries enveloped her, bringing back memories of simpler times.

Her mother was already seated at a table near the window, her face lighting up with joy as Aveny approached. They exchanged warm hugs and greetings, the years of distance melting away in an instant.

Over plates of steaming hot food and cups of fragrant tea, Aveny and her mother caught up on lost time, sharing stories and memories from their past. As they talked, Aveny couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the chance to reconnect with her family, to bridge the gap that had separated them for so long.

But amidst the laughter and conversation, Aveny couldn't shake the feeling that there was something she needed to tell her mother, something important that couldn't wait any longer.

Finally, when the time was right, Aveny took a deep breath and broached the subject that had been weighing on her mind since her encounter with Mentor.

"Mom," she began, her voice steady despite the nervous fluttering in her chest. "There's something I need to tell you. Something...unusual has been happening to me lately, and I need your help to make sense of it."