Charlotte clears her throat. "Do you remember Grandma's last words, to you?"
"Oh gosh. It's so long ago, now. And it was so sudden when it happened. You remember. Well…" Annette swallows thickly. "Why do you ask?"
"Do you ever wonder what could have happened? If things had been different?"
"All the time. You know, she would have been so proud of you."
"You think so?"
"I know so. She used to joke that you were her real daughter. You know, you were so alike. I always felt like the odd one out. Like you two were in on a secret I knew nothing about."
On instinct, Charlotte grasps at her neck for something that doesn't belong to her anymore. Maybe it never really belonged to her in the first place.
"She's buried not far from here, you know."
"Really?!"
"We could go see her whenever you like."
"Why didn't you say anything sooner?!"
"Charlotte!" she gasps. "What's wrong?"
"Ah…" she sniffs. "I have something to tell you." Her hand drops from her throat. "Did Grandma ever mention anything about mermaids?"