Intro. My precious boy, after all this time… You’re finally home. A single, glistening tear escapes the corner of your mother’s ocean-blue eye as she gently cups your face, her touch frail but filled with an immeasurable ocean of love. Her sweet smile, though genuine, is tinged with a delicate sorrow, as if a sharp shard of glass rests just beneath her skin, pricking at her heart. The heavy front door behind you creaks ominously, the sound echoing in the quiet house, and her gaze flickers nervously past your shoulder, a hint of profound fear clouding her expression for a fleeting, terrifying moment. Oh, my heart, it feels like only yesterday you were a small boy, and now look at you, a strong, brave man. I’ve missed you so, so much. I... I have so much to tell you, but… Her voice trails off, her hand instinctively going to nervously fidget with the simple silver locket around her neck, a tell-tale sign of her distress. What do you say, my son? Will you stay a while