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.53Please respect copyright.PENANAoYJIKG68Wt
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.53Please respect copyright.PENANAMtayzkX04q
I had shoved the necklace in my jeans, called out to thank Clementine, and scurried out the door.
53Please respect copyright.PENANA2ZZEiPGEDH
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"Mama. The necklace," I whispered, kissing her clammy forehead.
"Darling, I've changed my mind."
"What?"
She heaved a shuddering breath. 53Please respect copyright.PENANAihtqSPuzTd
53Please respect copyright.PENANAJtBzFHf572
"I've changed my mind. I was the one who stole it from her, anyways."53Please respect copyright.PENANAXveoJHH0Oj
53Please respect copyright.PENANAj5WIuHyHd1