I pretended to study the ugly canvas on the wall of a woman cradling a newborn on a basket chair. It was so horrible, I would’ve believed her daughter had drawn it—if I didn't know she had no daughter.83Please respect copyright.PENANA5WQM2q1Ivs
Clementine had left me in the kitchen, leaving her trust in me because I was her close friend's daughter. What she also left was a necklace, which my mother requested as her final death wish, claiming Clementine stole the necklace from her years ago and hadn’t returned it out of bitterness.83Please respect copyright.PENANAnAPeSz5CRk
I had shoved the necklace in my jeans, called out to thank Clementine, and scurried out the door.
83Please respect copyright.PENANApjnuN50KJR
83Please respect copyright.PENANABt1HjYC9Cg
"Mama. The necklace," I whispered, kissing her clammy forehead.
"Darling, I've changed my mind."
"What?"
She heaved a shuddering breath. 83Please respect copyright.PENANAMNnBYqjXKQ
83Please respect copyright.PENANANSgQYRuj7T
"I've changed my mind. I was the one who stole it from her, anyways."83Please respect copyright.PENANAJFxgwvIjps
83Please respect copyright.PENANACHg1ayD4Vz