YES, THERE IS

HIS mother's decision to move forward, leaving behind all the pain and hurt she'd endured, was something Astrid fully supported. In fact, regardless of what choice she made, Astrid would stand by her. After all, it was her decision to make, and hers alone.

But he was still glad that this was the decision his mother made in the end, as it would lead to personal healing. It meant that she was choosing herself—her peace, her future—over the pain of the past. And for that, Astrid felt a deep sense of relief and admiration for her strength.

"I'm proud of you, Mom," he could only say at the end. Because what else could he say?

Words felt small in the face of everything she'd been through, everything she'd overcome. He wanted to say so much more—to tell her how much her strength inspired him, how much he admired her resilience—but somehow, all of that seemed to fall short. So, he simply said those few words, hoping she understood what he meant.