Mrs. Thompson flopped on her couch with a coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other. She occasionally closed her eyes to enjoy the silence around her. 'I need this often,' she said while tucking her legs under her.

She put down her newspaper, got up, and looked around her small home, reminiscing about what it used to be like.

She walked slowly, caressing any object she came in contact with. Now facing a door with a poster that read 'MICO's ROOM,' Mrs. Thompson carefully placed her hand on the door handle and pushed it down, taking in the state of the room with a deep breath. 'Oh Mico, when are you going to learn?'

She walked in and started picking up her daughter's clothes from the floor, then placed other items in the right spot. She sat down on her bed and immediately jolted up, removing the duvet to find what she sat on—a big black book. Mrs. Thompson opened the book page by page and realized its contents.

She looked at the pictures Mico has been saving: Their first family vacation, Mico's performances, and pictures of other events. Mrs. Thompson continued flipping until she opened the last page and found an envelope. 'For you, Mom!'

Mrs. Thompson stared at the writing on the front of the envelope. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she continued staring at the...