Flipping the page again, I found a close-up photo of Teresa looking much healthier. She’d gained some weight and the dark eye circles were gone. Her hair had doubled in size, floating around her head in all its curly glory. Her eyes were bright and clear, and she was smiling as my grandmother kissed her cheek. The women clearly loved one another deeply. Besides the brows, I could see so much of myself in my mother. And even though her hair was much thicker and curlier than mine, she had cut it into a long bob that resembled the dark wavy lob I was wearing these days. A single tear slid down my face that I quickly wiped away.

I gently pulled the photo away from the gold corners holding it to the page. ‘Do you have any more photos of her that are more recent like this?’ I said, holding it up for them to see.

‘Hmm,’ Cris said thoughtfully, looking around. ‘Not that we’ve come across but there may be some in one of these boxes. If we come across anymore we’ll put them aside for you. But if you want, you can hold onto that one.’

‘Are you sure?’ I said, my fingers gripping it tightly. ‘Thank you both so much for the locket and the photos, and just … everything,’ I said with a grateful smile.

I was filled simultaneously with happiness at getting to know my family and heartbreak at the hardships they went through. Could there really be a killer amongst this loving family who had suffered so much on their own? I hoped more than ever that the killer was from my biological father’s side, or someone else distant to this immediate family that was finding its way into the corners of my heart.

‘I know families can be complicated, but I never would’ve thought mine would have so many layers. It means a lot to get this insight into where I came from.’

‘Of course, it’s so nice revisiting these memories with you.’ Rosie smiled at me sadly before clapping her hands together. ‘Now, what do you say we go downstairs and have some coffee?’ She smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress as she stood.

‘Sure, that sounds great.’ I kept the photograph of my mother and grandmother grasped tightly in my hand and followed her to the door, Cris trailing behind us.

‘I’ve got to go check something in my office really quick,’ Cris said as we reached the first floor.

‘Okay dear, go right ahead, we’ll get the coffee started,’ Rosie replied cheerily.

I followed her into the kitchen. ‘Can I help with anything?’ I asked as she gathered the supplies she needed to brew and serve the coffee.