I knew that children who’d been neglected emotionally, as my mother had been by her parents, often formed attachments to objects instead of people. Malabar had been raised by an alcoholic and domineering single mother, so it came as no surprise that her possessions meant everything to her. This necklace symbolized her mother’s love. I understood it; in fact, I felt the same way. My mother was about to give me her most treasured treasure, and the very thought of it made my heart nearly burst. Finally, I would have material proof of her love.
