I was about to take one of my morning walks when I heard a knock on my door. Much to my surprise, Nigel was standing there. He entered immediately. I looked at him questioningly, waiting for him to say something.

"I'm sorry for everything", Nigel said.

"Why are you apologizing?"

"Because I realize now that I'm in love with you and nothing can tear us apart", Nigel said.

"What happened?"

Nigel then went on to tell me everything that had happened between him and Sophie.

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have lied to you in the first place."

"Don't worry. The past is behind us. Let's start over."

"Okay, I'm Kayla. It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Nigel. Nice meeting you."

I had evaded the topic of my parents with Nigel for so long. I learnt that I had to honour my parents. My dad had died a long time ago and my stepfather, well, I had avoided meeting him. I decided to give my mum a visit. We had to have a long talk now that I was in a serious relationship with Nigel. I decided to pay my mum a surprise visit. So many things were going through my mind. I was anxious, worried and excited at the same time. I finally arrived at my mum's place. I knocked and waited. My mum opened the door and was very surprised to see me.

"Kayla? I wasn't expecting you", Mum said.

"Mum. I really need to talk to you", I told her.

I entered the room and told my mum everything. After a few minutes of silence, my mum finally spoke.

"Baby girl, I'm so happy for you. Not only because you have finally found a husband but also because you have come to know the love of the Lord. I have been praying that this day would finally come", Mum said.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yeah. I was once a born again follower of Jesus Christ, but the divorce left me depressed so I neglected the love of God. I heard the voice of God through a preacher on the radio and I gave my life to Christ once again. I would really like to meet this guy Nigel. I am so happy that you are now a child of God."

"Yeah, me too. By the way, where's Claire?'

"She's out of the country."

"Oh, then I would have to call her."

"Since when did you start calling your sister?"

"Since I realized that I have to let go of the grudges I have against her."

"I can really see that there has been a change in your life."

"Yeah. So I'll bring him over soon."

"Alright. Please do that. Are you leaving so soon?'

"Yeah, I have to go", I said and started heading towards the car.

"Kayla? One more thing. I love you', Mum said and scooped me into a big hug.

"I love you too, Mum", I said as tears started welling in my eyes. We stood there in each other's embrace for what seemed like forever. I finally pulled from the embrace and jumped into my car, promising to call and visit soon. At 28 years of age, this was the first time I remembered my mother telling me she loved me. From then on, I knew my relationship with my mother had changed.