Kusum sat on the edge of the bed in the dimly lit bedroom, her shoulders slumped, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. The weight of her husband's death pressed on her like a suffocating blanket, leaving her numb and lost in grief. Her American step-sons, Jake and Tyler, arrived two days back from Europe trip, both in their early twenties with lean, athletic builds from years of college sports, exchanged worried glances across the room. They had been trying everything to pull her out of this fog—hugs, talks, even suggesting outings—but nothing pierced through.

"Mom, you can't keep shutting down like this", Jake said softly, kneeling in front of her and taking her hands in his. His voice was gentle but firm, his blue eyes locking onto hers.