“Accidents happen,” she continued. “I guess some things aren’t meant to last forever.”
I turned and ran. My shoes crunched over the fragments. Each step broke my heart a little more. I couldn’t let her see me cry. I wouldn’t give her that victory.
That night, I called Aunt Marlene through my tears. She was Mom’s sister. She was the only person who’d truly understand what I’d lost.
“Sandra destroyed Mom’s crystal set,” I cried into the phone.
Silence stretched between us. Then Aunt Marlene’s voice came back different.
“Jennifer, honey, I need to tell you something important.”
“What?”
“Last week I was visiting your house. Sandra was on the phone with her friend Nancy. She thought she was alone.” Aunt Marlene paused. “She was planning to destroy those crystals.”
“Planning it?”
“She said, and I quote, ‘If Jennifer wants to honor someone at that wedding, it should be me. Time to get rid of Alice’s precious memories.’”
Rage flooded my veins. This wasn’t an accident. This was murder. Murder of my mother’s memory.
“But Jenny,” Aunt Marlene’s voice softened. “I did something. I bought a cheap crystal set from the thrift store. I switched them out that same day.”
My breath caught. “My… my mother’s crystal set…”
“Your mother’s real crystals are safe in my attic. And I installed a tiny camera in your dining room. We have everything on video. I knew you’d call. I was planning to surprise you with the crystals at your wedding, honey.”
For the first time in weeks, I smiled.
The next morning, Sandra hummed while making coffee. She looked so pleased with herself. She was so confident in her victory.
“How are you holding up, dear?” she asked. Her voice oozed fake concern.
