I called Mom while I was shopping and asked, “Should I bring chocolate cake or apple pie for Christmas?” – Welcome

beside her smiled.

“Laya, let them set up.”

“But it’s chocolate.”

“I can see that.”

Laya looked back at me.

“Chocolate is the best.”

“I agree.”

That was how I met Laya and her mother, Monica Alvarez.

Monica thanked me without turning gratitude into a performance.

She looked exhausted but composed.

We started talking simply because we were standing beside each continue reading …