My mom never said “You’re beautiful,” but her earrings did.
She wore them every day — while tying my braids, walking me to school, or waiting outside in the rain.
On her birthday, I gave her a new pair — delicate gold hoops, just like hers, only shinier.
She smiled, took off her old ones, and wore mine without a word.
That’s how she said “You’ve grown into a woman.”
