Just to head off questions or confusion, the last three words in italics translate to, in order, prize, gift, and son.

My thanks and potential apologies to Holly K for twisting her simple description into something so tragic and sci-fi.

No apologies necessary! What an interesting and great sequel to something that seemed straight-forward. I definitely didn’t see that coming.

I that despite all of the pain and waffling, hope wins out. The emotive qualities of the bond between mother and son are nicely interwoven, too. Neat piece!