Audrey invited Alina to the main garden the next morning.
Alina had been avoiding the main garden since the day she wore the red dress. She hadn't needed to return. The east garden had become her place now.
Audrey was already sitting on her bench when Alina arrived.
"Sit," Audrey said. "I have some questions I want to ask."
Alina sat and waited.
"Can you tell me about your mother?" Audrey said.
Alina looked at her in surprise. It was the first time someone had asked about her mother. The mother who was gone.
"Why? Why do you want to know about her?"
Audrey smiled.
"Just curious. I was thinking of my mother today. I thought of the time we spent together, the things she taught me. I wanted to share those stories with someone, and I thought of you. But then I realized, I don't know anything about your mother."
Alina wasn't convinced but she also knew there was no use in dodging the question. If Audrey wanted to know, she would find out. Better to tell her herself.
