Unhurried, Gail suggested, “Noemi, since you're in Skrix, stay here with me for a while. Let's reminisce about the past, engage in flower arrangement, enjoy coffee and chat. What do you say?"

Noemi, moved by Gail's gentle words and reminiscing about their once -intimate friendship, sighed and nodded, saying, “Okay.”

Pleased with Noemi's response, Gail smiled warmly.

With Noemi's willingness to stay, Gail knew that, with time, she could dispel the misunderstandings in Noemi's heart and eventually foster acceptance for her daughter.

Outside, as soon as Brian and Rosalynn made their entrance, a circle of friends enveloped them.