They Mocked My Old Shawl Until They Learned Its Hidden Secret

“You were laughing.”

“I know, and I regret it.”

Lila rarely apologized.

When she did, there was usually a reason.

“What do you want?”

“I want to buy the shawl.”

I almost laughed.

“What?”

“I’ll give you five thousand dollars.”

I thought I had misheard her.

“For Mother’s old shawl?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“It has sentimental value.”

“To you?”

“Of course.”

“You called it an old blanket.”

“I was upset.”

I remained silent.

Her breathing grew louder.