Inside were several comfortable tops, a nursing robe, pajamas, and other items I had decided I no longer needed.
She carefully lifted the robe.
“Anna, are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t want them back?”
“No. I’m giving them to you.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“I understand what that means now.”
I sat beside her.
“I know you do.”
The bag I’d brought was the same one Elaine had used when she returned my belongings in October.
One handle had been repaired with clear tape.
Tara recognized it immediately.
“Mom brought your clothes home in that bag.”
“She did.”
Tara looked toward her mother.
“I don’t think I understood how much she loved you until that day.”
I smiled softly.
“I always knew Elaine cared about me. But I didn’t realize how firmly she’d stand up for me when it mattered.”
Tara nodded.
“I’m glad she did.”
