The morning sun cast a golden hue over the city as Stephanie stood outside her office building, clutching her coffee cup like a lifeline. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the day ahead.
"Stephanie," a familiar voice called softly.
She turned to see her mother approaching, her eyes filled with remorse.
"Mom? What are you doing here?" Stephanie's voice was a mix of surprise and apprehension.
"I needed to see you. To apologize," her mother said, stopping a few feet away.
Stephanie's grip tightened on her coffee cup. "Apologize? After all these years?"
"I know I hurt you, and I can't change the past, but I want to make things right," her mother pleaded.
Stephanie shook her head. "It's too late for that. You can't just show up and expect everything to be okay."
"I understand, but please, just give me a chance," her mother implored.
Stephanie took a step back. "I have to go. My boss is waiting."
Without another word, she turned and entered the building, leaving her mother standing alone on the sidewalk.
⸻
The meeting was long and tedious, filled with charts and projections. As it concluded, Stephanie's boss approached her.
"Stephanie, I need you to run an errand for me," She said, handing her a folder. "It's urgent."
She nodded, taking the folder. "Of course."
⸻
Later that day, Stephanie walked briskly down a quiet street, the folder clutched under her arm. Suddenly, a black van screeched to a halt beside her. Before she could react, two men jumped out, grabbing her.
"Hey! Let go of me!" she screamed, struggling against their grip.
One of the men sneered. "This is just a warning, sweetheart."
They dragged her into an alley, slamming her against the wall. One of them raised his fist, striking her across the face.
"You're going to stay out of Damien's business, or next time, it won't just be a warning," the other growled.
Stephanie's vision blurred as pain radiated through her head. She tried to fight back, but they were too strong.
Suddenly, a voice rang out. "Get away from my daughter!"
Her mother appeared, wielding a heavy purse. She swung it at the attackers, catching one off guard.
"Run, Stephanie!" she shouted.
Stephanie stumbled to her feet, watching in horror as one of the men struck her mother, sending her crashing to the ground.
The attackers fled, leaving Stephanie kneeling beside her unconscious mother.
"Mom? Mom, wake up!" she cried, tears streaming down her face.
She fumbled for her phone, dialing emergency services.
"Please, I need an ambulance. My mother has been attacked," she sobbed.
⸻
At the hospital, Stephanie sat in the waiting room, her hands trembling. A doctor approached her.
"She's stable, but she suffered a concussion. She'll need to be monitored for the next few days," he explained.
Stephanie nodded, relief washing over her.
As she sat by her mother's bedside, holding her hand, she whispered, "Thank you for saving me."
Her mother stirred, opening her eyes slightly. "You're my daughter. I'd do anything for you."
Stephanie smiled through her tears, realizing that despite their past, they still had a chance to rebuild their relationship.