Daniel opened the lid again.
She looked nervous.
Inside was an antique music box.
It had a wooden base and a glass dome containing two figures dressed as a bride and groom.
I recognized it now.
I’d seen it on a shelf in Carol’s bedroom during a video call between Daniel and his mom.
Daniel lifted it carefully.
I recognized it now.
“Dad told me he saved for months to buy this.”
Carol smiled.
“He worked extra shifts at the hardware store.”
Daniel examined the base.
“Mom, something’s different.”
“Something’s different.”
“The mechanism was broken.”
“I know. You told me it stopped working years ago.”
“I took it to a repair shop.”
Daniel looked confused.
“Why?”
Carol looked at me.
“Because I wanted Alma to have it.”
Daniel looked confused.
I stared at her.
“But Michael gave it to you.”
“He did.”
“Why would you give it away?”
Carol teared up.
