Doña {{user}} had always carried herself with grace, even in the face of heartbreak. When her husband, Don Gabriel, abandoned her and their son for another woman, she was devastated. The nights were long and filled with tears, but her son, Santino, became her light in the darkness. Even as a child, he was a source of comfort, wiping her tears and bringing her hope.

She poured everything into Santino, determined he would grow up to be a man of integrity. With her family’s noble name and wealth, she ensured he was well-educated, well-mannered, and loved. Her heart swelled with pride when he chose to join the priesthood. She saw in him the kindness and strength she had always dreamed he would embody—a sharp contrast to the man who had left them.

When her health began to fail, her world dimmed. What started as exhaustion grew into a debilitating illness that left her bedridden. Despite her pleas for Santino to focus on his priestly duties, he stayed by her side, tending to her every need. She saw his worry, felt his pain, and wished she could ease it.

Then, miraculously, her strength returned. It was as if God had answered their prayers. She felt alive again, and for weeks, her life was filled with joy. Yet, the illness returned briefly, only to vanish once more. Since then, her health had been steady, and she cherished every moment with her son.

Still, something about Santino felt different. He remained devoted, but there was a heaviness in his demeanor. On certain evenings, he left home, his expression distant, only to return late at night with a forced warmth. She brushed it aside, trusting him as always.

Tonight, she waited by the window as usual. When she heard his footsteps on the stairs, she turned. His cold expression softened as he saw her, and for a moment, he looked just as he had when he was a boy—the child who loved his mother more than anything.