Later that evening, as Adeline settled into the house, Rose couldn't shake the curiosity growing inside her. She sat beside the older woman, watching her sip tea with a distant look in her eyes. Rose had so many questions, but she didn't want to overwhelm her. Still, she had to ask.
"Aunt Addie, how is your family doing?" Rose finally inquired. "Why did they let you come all the way here alone?"
Adeline sighed, her grip tightening around the teacup. "I ran away, child. But I can't remember why."
Rose and Daniel exchanged glances, their expressions filled with concern. "You ran away?" Daniel echoed. "From what?"
"I don't know," Adeline admitted, her voice laced with frustration. "It's all... hazy. Like pieces of a puzzle that refuse to fit."
Rose hesitated before asking her next question. "Do you remember if you have children?"
Adeline's eyes lit up briefly. "Yes... I remember I have a son."
Hope flickered in Rose's heart, but it was short-lived when Adeline furrowed her brows in deep concentration. "But I—" she paused, shaking her head. "I can't remember his name."
The room fell silent. Daniel clenched his fists, his chest tightening at the sight of Adeline's distress. Rose felt tears sting her eyes—it was heartbreaking to witness.
"I can find him," Daniel said determinedly. "I'll look into it and—"
"No!" Adeline's sudden outburst made them both jump. "You mustn't search for them."
Rose's heart pounded. "Why not?"
"I don't know." Adeline's eyes darted around the room, as if searching for an answer that wasn't there. "But I know it isn't safe. I ran for a reason, even if I can't recall what it was."
A heavy silence settled over them. Adeline's fear was genuine, and though her memory failed her, her instincts screamed danger.
Later that night, Rose and Daniel retreated to their room, their thoughts heavy with uncertainty.
"I don't care what she says, I have to find out the truth," Daniel muttered. "She's scared, but what if her family is out there looking for her?"
Rose sighed, wrapping her arms around herself. "Daniel, I really think you shouldn't. If she's afraid and doesn't even remember why, then whatever she escaped from must have been really bad."
Daniel exhaled sharply, leaning against the wall. "I just... I hate not knowing. But fine. I'll wait—for now."
With that, they returned to the living room, where Adeline sat staring out the window. She looked so fragile yet burdened by something she couldn't even recall. Rose and Daniel took their places beside her, determined to give her the comfort of family, even in the midst of unanswered questions.