Chapter 51

Lauren shook her head. "No," she said.

Leo's head shot up. Shock and helplessness etched his features. His chest heaved, his eyes reddening. "You really don't know?" he whispered, close to tears.

Lauren hesitated. "I know a little," she replied.

"A little?" Leo's small hands clutched her clothes. His anxiety was palpable.

"I knew something before, but I forgot," Lauren explained softly.

"So, is that a yes or a no?" Leo was confused. "I'll ask Dad when he gets back," he decided.

Relieved, Leo leaned into Lauren's arms. "My dad said Mom was an angel," he confided. "She went to heaven after she had me. She'll come back when I grow up."

He looked up at Lauren quickly, then down, his little fingers intertwined. "I've met lots of people, but I haven't told them I'm looking for my mother."

Lauren realized: Leo was asking if she was his mother. Unsure how to respond, she saw the hope in his eyes and couldn't bear to disappoint him.

Fortunately, Daphne arrived with the final dish. Lauren handed Leo a fork and knife. "Let's eat," she said.

"Okay," Leo replied, a little deflated by her lack of answer. But the sight of the delicious food quickly cheered him.

Though only four, he was remarkably self-sufficient. The food was appetizing; Lauren ate until her lips were red. Leo watched happily, particularly when she ate the spicy dishes.

"Dad said Mom liked spicy food!" he thought contentedly.

After lunch, Daphne brought a glass of coconut milk for Lauren. Taking a sip, Lauren was startled. A familiar medicinal scent filled her senses.

Her palate was highly developed; as a child, she could identify the herbs in anything her Grandpa Bach made. This coconut milk was no exception; she recognized the distinct blend of medicinal herbs.

Lauren subtly pinched her fingers, maintaining a neutral expression. How could this be? she wondered.