I stood, paralyzed with shock. 

Mom?

Words couldn't even describe how I felt.

My mother didn't even look like the same person. She had dark circles around her eyes and injuries that were still in the process of healing. Her hair was all knotted and her lips were chapped, but she still managed to smile, and Mom was still the most beautiful person I'd ever known.

"Ava!" she cried, pulling me into a tight embrace.

My throat tightened. I didn't know what to say. For a while, we just stood there, holding on tightly to each other. I didn't want to let go. I felt like if I did, she'd just disappear - vanish into the thin air. Then I'd wake up shaking and drenched in sweat, having the same empty feeling I'd had every morning when reality dawned on me. 

"Are you okay?" she whispered into my hair.

I nodded, taking my time to appreciate the moment. Her presence made me feel safe, sheltered. For the first time in forever, I felt as if a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I didn't care about anything else surrounding me. I forgot the rest of the world, and in that moment, it was just me and my mom, seeing each other at last.

I could barely process the thoughts racing through my mind. None of it felt real. A sense of relief washed over me when I realized that this really wasn't a dream and that my mother was alive and well and here with me now. I'd wake up the next day with the reassurance of having her there. I'd wake up the next day knowing that she was okay.

She pulled away, wiping her eyes. "Have you found anyone else?" she asked.

I swallowed hard, my heart stopping at the question. I didn't want to reply to her. I really didn't. 

Piper answered for me. "We did,"

"Who?" 

For a second, my mother's eyes filled with hope. My heart broke for her. Piper glanced at me, then looked down at the ground. I took a deep breath.

Then I revealed the news.

A/N: Feel free to leave any requests, feedback, questions or suggestions! Hope you enjoyed the chapter:)