Chapter 35 She Falls for His Lies

Flora placed the box she had taken from her locker into Louisa's hand. "This belonged to your mother," Flora's voice trembled slightly. "To be exact, it was a gift from your father to her. It's been over 20 years..." Losing both her husband and her daughter early in life was Flora's greatest tragedy. Her voice always wavered when the past was brought up. The weight of the small box pressed into Louisa's palm. She suddenly found she lacked the courage to open it, but Flora encouraged her with a gentle nod. "Go on. Take a look." Seeing how painful this was for Flora, Louisa reflexively closed her hand. "Grandma, I don't need to know anymore. It's okay." Flora managed a small, sad smile. "Don't be silly. Everyone wants to know their past. You used to cry about it when you were little because I wouldn't tell you. I'm fine, really. "At my age, I've come to terms with everything. This belongs to you, and the story needs to be told. I can't exactly take it to the grave with me."