Later that night, back at the hotel, I finally called Mark. The moment he picked up, his voice was rushed and full of questions. “Mom, where are you? Who’s that man? Are you okay?”
I smiled softly. “I’m perfectly fine, sweetheart. I’m in Austria. That man is a friend, and I’m having the best Christmas I’ve had in years.”
He paused. “Why didn’t you tell us you were going?”
“Because you told me to stay home,” I said gently. “So, I did the next best thing. I found a home somewhere else, one filled with warmth and kindness.” There was a long silence on the other end. Then, quietly, he said, “I’m sorry, Mom. We should have never left you out.”
“I know, Mark,” I replied, my tone calm but firm. “But sometimes life teaches us through distance. You can’t appreciate someone’s love if you keep taking it for granted.”
