Evelyn watched as Finley slipped out quietly. She waited a second after the door shut behind him, then turned back to the elders.
The atmosphere had softened, wrapped in warmth and memory. The crackling fireplace was the only sound until Emma lifted a hand to dab her eyes.
"My dear," Emma began gently, "we have waited so long for this moment. Please, tell us. How has your life been? Since Madison… since your mother…"
Evelyn inhaled slowly, her fingers twisting together in her lap.
"It was… alright. They raised me well."
"Oh," Emma whispered, her eyes widening with tender curiosity. "Your grandma must be the one who raised you?"
Evelyn looked down at her lap. "No. My grandmother, Giselle, passed away before I was born." Her voice cracked. "I never had the chance to meet her."
Emma was stunned. Her hands gripped the armrests of her wheelchair. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm sorry, I thought you still met her…" Her eyes glistened with fresh tears.
