Her handbag was clutched loosely in one hand. She carried herself with her usual calm elegance, her gaze fixed ahead as she made her way inside.
Herbert was saying something about being pleased that I had accepted his invitation, but my attention had already drifted elsewhere.
For the first time that day, I had the chance to properly look at her.
My gaze followed her instinctively.
She looked different from the woman I remembered.
More mature.
More confident.
The years had changed her, yet somehow she was still the Alicia I couldn't forget.
A strange tightness settled in my chest.
I forced myself to look away.
Failed.
Every time I tried, my eyes found her again.
Just then, a servant entered carrying a tray of refreshments, briefly blocking my view.
By the time the tray was set down and the servant left, Alicia had already reached the foot of the staircase.
Then I heard it.
"Mummy!"
A small voice rang through the mansion.
My head lifted immediately.
