Week 1:

1. Baby

Gazing upon her suckling newborn, a horrible thought rose. I should kill him. He'd be better off dead then grow up a slave.

She'd hoped she'd be free before he was born, but the master who was going to make that happen died. Now she had a typically tyrannical owner who most likely not make it easier for her just because she had a baby.

I could just smother him to my breast, then he'll be free of this life.

Just then Anakin looked up at Shmi with his innocent eyes, and she wept, knowing she could never harm him.

2. Child

Shmi fought back tears as she watched Ani march bravely to his new life. What is wrong with me? I should be rejoicing! He is free! Yet it felt as though where her heart used to be was now a hole that could never be filled. The edges around that void were jagged knives piercing her soul.

She'd given her son to a stranger!

Panic started to fill her, and she considered running after them to retrieve her child.

Then she felt the remembered touch upon her shoulder. Qui-Gon is not a stranger. He will be the father Ani needed.

3. Teenager

The woman's eyes brightened as she saw her husband and the lanky boy walk through the gate. As her son came to her and said, "Hi, Mom," she put a hand to her mouth.

When Qui-Gon and Ani left on the mission, the boy was still a few centimeters shorter than her. Now she had to look up to make eye contact. And that voice... it was a man's she heard.

Tears streamed down Shmi's face as she embraced the teenager.

"Welcome home." Her voice shook.

"Why are you crying, mom? Are you alright?"

"I'm just happy to see you."

4. Adult

Anakin felt a lump form in his throat as his Master cut his braid. Images of the past swirled in his head. The first time he met Qui-Gon, tall and imposing in stature, yet gentle and caring in spirit, he knew this man would change his life. The Jedi had become a father to him as well as mentor.

"You are now a Jedi Knight!" The voice of the man before him was choked with emotion.

The corner's of Anakin's lips trembled upwards as he took the braid from Obi-Wan. "Thank you, Master Kenobi."

The brothers wept as they embraced.

5. Elderly

Eyes stared unseeing at the ceiling after the last breath escaped the withered lips. Slender fingers caressed the lids closed as a tear fell silently down one cheek. A muffled sob brought a strong arm around the younger woman's shoulders.

"Please don't tell me that I shouldn't mourn for her... that she's one with the Force and I should be at peace with that."

"I'd never do that, Pi." Anakin squeezed his younger sister's shoulders as they looked down at the still form of their mother. "Grieving has it's place. Once we heal, her memory will live on in us."