章 41: Unexpected Encounter

Angelina's fingers grazed her bare neck, her expression shifting from confusion to concern. "Mom," she began softly, her eyes pleading for understanding. "I remember taking it off to show that man earlier. He admired it, but..." She trailed off, her gaze dropping to the bedspread.

Carissa's heart sank as Angelina's confession unfolded. "Angelina..." Her voice was gentle, tinged with empathy for her daughter's distress.

"I think I dropped it at the playground," Angelina admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, her distress palpable.

Sensing her daughter's sadness, Carissa reached out to stroke her hair, offering comfort amid disappointment. "Don't be sad, my dear," she reassured her, her voice tender.

"But I am. That locket means a lot to me. It's special because you gave it to me," Angelina lamented, her voice wavering with emotion.