for something she could never have prevented.
Gabriel had never blamed her.
Even in his final moments, he had understood the truth.
Weeks later, Laura traveled to Texas.
She stood outside Gabriel’s mother’s home for several minutes before finally knocking.
When the older woman opened the door and saw her, neither spoke.
Then Gabriel’s mother wrapped Laura in her arms.
“I’m sorry,” Laura whispered. “For so long, I believed I left him behind.”
The woman gently held Laura’s hands.
“You never abandoned Gabriel. You carried him with you every single
