You did it for free. And I never even said thank you.

I thought mothers were just supposed to bleed for their kids. My own mother paid my way until I met Austin.

I didn’t know any better. But I know now. I am so, so sorry. We paid the rent early this month.

A profound peace washed over me. I replied: I never asked for gratitude, Chloe. That was my fatal mistake. When a person never asks for anything, she trains everyone around her to stop offering.

You are becoming a magnificent mother to Maya. Keep going.

Two months later, as my ship began its final crossing back toward Florida, my phone buzzed with a call. Not Iris — a FaceTime request from Austin’s number.