“I know. It’s one of my fondest memories. But when I asked her if she’d like to take a bath, she said thank you for offering, but she preferred showers to baths.”

“People do change their preferences,” Hannah pointed out.

“I did,” Michelle said. “I used to love taking baths, but now I’d rather take showers.”

Carly sighed. “I know all that. I prefer showers now, too. It’s just that . . . well . . . something’s not right about Jennifer. I asked her what she used to hide in her napkin and pass to me, and she didn’t remember what I was talking about.”

“What were you talking about?” Hannah asked her.

“Sweet potatoes. Jennifer really hated yams and sweet potatoes. She used to take a small helping just to please Mom, but she’d hide the pieces in her napkin when no one was looking. Then she’d pass it to me and I’d get up to get more milk or something and throw her napkin in the trash. It was our secret.”

“That was years ago, Carly,” Michelle said. “Maybe she just didn’t remember.”

“Maybe, but one of these nights when I don’t have to work, I’m going to make sweet potatoes and see if she eats them.”

“Does she remember anything about her life with you before she ran away?” Hannah posed the question that was uppermost in her mind.

“Yes. That’s part of the problem. She remembers a lot. And some days I’m sure she’s really Jennifer. But other days, I think she’s not.”

“Does she know things that only Jennifer would know?” Hannah followed up on her initial question.

“Yes. She remembered all the names of her teachers, even the ones that aren’t there anymore. And she described the cabin we used to have on Eden Lake. And when Mom got out the birthday tablecloth she always used for us when we were kids, she remembered that.” Carly looked from Hannah to Michelle and then back again. “Do you both think I’m crazy for doubting her?”

“No,” Hannah said, before Michelle could reply. “But if she’s not the real Jennifer, why is she here pretending to be Jennifer?”

“That’s what I can’t figure out. It’s not like we’re rich or anything like that. And we don’t have anything valuable to steal. As far as I can see, there’s nothing for her to gain by pretending to be Jennifer.”

“Have you told your mom about your suspicions?” Michelle asked the question before Hannah could.

“No. I wouldn’t do that to Mom. What if I’m wrong?”

“Do you think your mother believes she’s Jennifer?” Hannah asked the next question.

“I know she does. Mom’s so happy that Jennifer’s back. She’s all relaxed now and she smiles all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy.”