Taking the locket in her grasp, she popped it open. Nestled in the circle was a picture of a woman vaguely similar to Ari with wild curls and a splash of freckles across her nose. "What is this for? Or never mind that for now. Let me get you a hotel nearby or something. I'm worried about you, ma." She closed the necklace once more, finally looking up at her mother.
"I'm fine. I'm fine. I promise. You head back inside before it gets nasty out here." Her mother smiled. "You always loved to play in the rain and pretend you had a green thumb, but always killed my garden flowers. I miss those times a lot. I'd say your father misses it too."
She lit another cigarette and inhaled deeply. "Welp, I'll be on my way. I couldn't save you from your choice." She started up the car.
