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as mothers do. When I heard of her passing, I was heartbroken.” She stares at
me now. “I am still heartbroken, for her, and for you.”
    As touched as I am by Rose’s confessions I know
that there’s much more to the story than she’s letting on. I find my voice
again. “I never questioned my mom too much about your relationship with her. I
just always assumed she had a good reason for keeping you all at a distance.
But now I’m curious. You say you understood her reasons. What were her
reasons?”
    Rose sighs. “I understood her reasons and I
respected them. I think after you spend some time here you’ll understand too.
Things are different in this town and with our family especially. She just
didn’t want to be a part of the life we lived. She didn’t want to live here
anymore. It’s not that I never made an effort to see you both, but once she
made her decision she stuck to it. She refused any type of relationship with
me, your grandfather, and eventually your father.”
    Rose takes a breath, allowing me to take in what
she’s said. Then she continues, “I didn’t want to lose either of you. The
moment I got to hold you in my arms I knew you carried a special light. But the
moment she had you, all she wanted to do was protect you. And for whatever
reason, she thought that she had to cut off all ties with our family to protect
you.”
    “But why? Who was she protecting me from? She never
said anything bad about you.”
    Rose sways slightly, and takes her time to answer
my question. “Your mother just wanted the best for you. This isn’t the town for
everyone. Our families – traditions – aren’t for everyone. Your
mother thought that this town – your father, and me especially –
would have a negative influence on you.” Rose, again being vague, takes a sip
of tea as if she’s just made all the sense in the world.
    “But what about now? Don’t you think me being here
would go against my mothers wishes?”
    Rose sighs, then shrugs. “Your mother was afraid of
a destiny that could not be altered. You would have ended up here no matter
what. I’ve always known this. I guess that’s why I didn’t fight her too hard. I
knew one day you’d be right here where you belong.” Rose’s cryptic answer
leaves me with a million questions but Rose holds up her hand before I can
continue my questioning. “Not now, Katrina. You will have your answers in time.
I promise.”
    This frustrates me since now I’m more confused then
ever. And then it hits me. My grandmother is going senile. She doesn’t look her
age but she sure is acting it now. Maybe I can talk to Charlotte about it. I’m
sure Charlotte will know what to do.
    As Rose continues to speak I watch her mannerisms
in an effort to see if there are any other symptoms I should be aware of.
    “You know, when your grandfather died, I thought I
would never be the same. He was my best friend my entire life and then one day,
he was taken from me. I understand what you are going through now and I just
want you to know that I’m here for you.”
    Thinking of my grandfather brings sadness to me as
I remember the brief story Charlotte told me yesterday. “I’m very sorry to hear
of how he died. My mom didn’t tell me the story. Did she know?”
    Rose sighs and nods. “Yes, your mother sent flowers
and a card. I know that she must have been devastated, even if she didn’t show
it.” Rose tilts her head, sadly. “It makes me sad to think you never knew your
grandfather. He was an amazing man. He was a wonderful father, a giver to the
community, and a natural born leader. He was the best husband I could have ever
wished for.” Rose turns her head, as if in deep thought of her late husband.
    “How did the fire start?”
    Rose looks at me with surprised eyes, as if she’s
shocked I dare ask the question. “We never were able to figure out how it
started. George and I were out at the local market. We came home and there was
smoke so he ran