[42] b

As Jess finished her shower, Fathia patiently waited, gazing at a map and a notebook with her mother's name on the cover. Fathia admired the beautiful handwriting of her Mommy, silently praising it in her mind. She gently wiped away tears, imagining her mother's smile that was as warm as the sun. That comforting look that always filled Fathia with spirit when she felt overwhelmingly sad and alone back then. Suddenly, she reached for an old photo carefully tucked behind the portrait that always accompanied her.

The photo of her mother and her uncle. Taken in 1982.

"What did you find, Fathia?" Jess asked softly, skillfully drying her wet hair. She had changed into more comfortable clothes, carrying the scent of eucalyptus oil from Jess. "My stomach feels a bit queasy. That's why I used eucalyptus oil. Aunt Naomi is taking a while, isn't she?" Jess explained, noticing Fathia's raised eyebrow and puzzled gaze.

"Ah, this... is what I was talking about earlier." Fathi