Eventually, she stopped answering Evelyn’s letters. “I took her kindness,” Mom whispered, “and when she needed her friend, I disappeared.”
I finally understood.
Mom hadn’t stolen anything.
She’d allowed her pride to destroy a friendship she treasured.
I finally understood.
“Mom, Evelyn left a letter for you with Rebecca.”
She wiped her cheeks. “What if it says Evelyn regretted helping me?”
“Then, we’ll face that together.”
Mom sat quietly.
Finally, she nodded. “Can Rebecca bring it here?”
I called Rebecca.
Mom sat quietly.
***
Twenty minutes later, Rebecca arrived with the envelope.
Mom stood when she entered.
Rebecca smiled. “You must be Victoria!”
Mom began crying.
Evelyn’s granddaughter took her hands. “Grandma always hoped she’d see you again.”
“You must be Victoria!”
Mom stared at her. “She wasn’t angry?”
“Not once that I remember.”
