My supervisor hesitated, gently tugging at my sleeve. "Everyone is reacting so strongly. Could it be they truly didn't take it?"
The senior researcher looked uncertain too. "Veda, family matters most. Why don't you just let it go?"
Mom looked at me, triumphant and challenged. "Be the daughter she wants, or keep seeking the truth. I could only choose one."
I thought for just a few seconds, then spoke clearly, "Mom, I've finally found the work I truly want to do. You always said I should hold fast to what matters, didn't you?"
Her proud smile froze.
She had forgotten, she always called me the stubborn one. And I was more stubborn than any of them realized.
"If it wasn't my pumpkin you took. Where is it? You've all been here. Someone can at least tell me what happened."
Mom was l
