Oh this is so beautiful and touching, @diebitch. It really touched my heart. Relationships are so complicated, and sometimes we just don't appreciate the people in our lives until we step away and realize how important they are. You really captured that well.
I just have one question. Does Mira know that Joy is Agony Aunt? At first I didn't think so, but then when she said "Sorry mom," I thought maybe she did know and that was her way of getting back in touch. Great story!
Yes, she knew, I think she never thought much of her stepmother's work but used it to reconnect.