Whenever Esme used the word "mother," it was always to refer to Madame Valhale before her accident, a figure shrouded in both reverence and mystery. It was rare for Esme to invoke her mother's name, making the moment even more striking for Helga. This sudden mention stirred a complex mix of emotions within Helga—curiosity, confusion, and a hint of apprehension—as she realized that this was a side of Esme she rarely saw.
Helga leaned in closer, captivated by the story unfolding before her. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the weight of the moment.
