Chapter 42:
The photograph trembled in Emily’s hands.
She couldn’t stop staring at it.
A little girl with long dark curls smiled at the camera, standing beside a young Zach in a tiny red sweater.
Behind them, a Christmas tree glittered with handmade ornaments.
Emily whispered,
“…That’s me.”
Zach frowned.
“I’ve never seen this picture before.”
Alexander carefully took the photograph.
His eyes narrowed as he studied the background.
“No…”
“It wasn’t Christmas.”
Emily looked confused.
“What?”
Alexander pointed toward a banner hanging above the children.
Part of it had burned away, but a few words were still visible.
St. Nicholas Children’s Charity Gala
Victor’s eyes widened.
“I remember this event.”
“It was held twenty years ago.”
⸻
Emily shook her head.
“I was only four
