Aunt Rhodes hadn't spoken yet when Bella excitedly pulled out the necklace from her neck, opened the locket photo, and asked, "As a stranger I met by chance at the amusement park, you're very curious and concerned about my affairs. I asked if you had any biological sister who looks a lot like you, and you said no, but then you knocked over your glass and behaved strangely. Aunt Rhodes, tell me honestly, are you really her?"
All the things that felt odd during their interaction, upon reflection, made sense if Aunt Rhodes were her mother and her mother hadn't actually died.
Bella stared at her, waiting for her answer.
Aunt Rhodes was silent for a moment, then said, "Bella, can we find the ring first before we talk?"
"Okay." Bella nodded and truly didn't press her any further, instead bowing her head to resume searching for the ring.
The light here was dim, and light rain drizzled from the sky as Bella and Aunt Rhodes remained crouched on the ground, searching for a long while.
