They married quietly, and just a month later, Mary Lou left for South Korea. At the airport, mother and daughter embraced, both aware that everything was about to change.
After that day, Mary Lou never returned. Years passed—one, then five, then twelve. The only contact was a yearly transfer of money, always with the same message: “Mom, take care of yourself. I’m doing well.”
That word, “well,” became Theresa’s greatest worry. It felt distant, almost rehearsed, and left more questions than answers.
