Chapter 29

VALENTINA Along with anger, a new sense of dread coursed through me. Immediately, I rushed inside the office and looked around. Based on my recollections of this place, nothing seems to have changed except for the lingering scent of Carmella. It appears Carmella has been here, and the strength of her presence suggests she may have visited more than once. But why? Carefully, I again surveyed my surroundings, and then it caught my eye: Mama's chair behind the desk. It shifted a bit. Barely noticeable, but I saw it, and it was weird, especially for Mama's place. My mother had a strong preference for order and things being ‘just right’ in their places. If it moved away she would be upset. In a word, she had OCD. Not high in level, but it was there. So, we always remain careful around her, not to upset her. And knowing my father, he would not do anything to hurt Mama's feelings, even after her death. Although Carmella is a topic, it's different because she did something severe to attain mal