Riley walked along the back garden with her mother and then the thought crossed her mind.
“If you were alive this whole time, why did you let everyone think you’re dead? Why did you never come back for me, or at least visit?” Cecelia looked frozen in place and her eyes were filled with something. Guilt? Cecelia turned to look at her.
“I did, once. You were about eight at the time. You were out with Allison and Derrick. Allison was chasing you around a tree at a picnic. You looked so happy, I couldn’t take that away from you. Allison and her husband weren’t able to conceive naturally, and I didn’t want to drag you away or confuse you. A life on the run, wasn’t the life I wanted for you.” Riley felt tears glistening from her eyes.
“Allison is a wonderful person, and I’d never take what
