Kasumi shook her head, more tears slipping down despite my constant gentle wiping. "No… I'm not a good mother. I left Yuko when she needed me most. I hurt her so badly… And I'm not as great as you say. Tomiko is the one who manages everything so perfectly. She's much stronger than me…"
Her voice broke as she cried quietly. I hugged her even more tightly, pressing her against my chest while my hand kept stroking her hair and back in slow, soothing motions.
"Shhh… That's not true at all," I whispered lovingly, kissing the top of her head. "You were fighting to survive and protect your children in impossible circumstances. The fact that both Haruna and Yuko love you so deeply proves what an amazing mother you are."
I continued caressing her face, wiping every tear that fell, and gently rocking her in my arms. "You don't need to compare yourself to Tomiko. You are both wonderful in your own ways. Right now, you're the one who needs to be protected and spoiled."
