Jamie ran over, her heart pounding, terrified that the elderly woman might vanish before she could reach her.

"Mom, how are you here?" She grabbed the woman's hand, her eyes brimming with tears of joy.

She expected recognition, perhaps even relief, but instead, the woman recoiled in fear.

"Don't hit me, I'll leave right away," the woman stammered, trembling.

Jamie's heart shattered. "Why would I hit you? Mom, it's me, Jamie, your daughter!"

"I don't know you."

The words hit Jamie like a bolt of lightning. Not know her?

How could that be? There was no way she could mistake her own mother.

Her mind raced, turmoil bubbling beneath the surface, but seeing how scared the woman looked, Jamie softened her tone. "I would never hurt you. Please, just take a good look at my face." The woman hesitated for a long moment before slowly lifting her head.

had imagined. Her haggard appearance came from neglect, her unkempt clothes and disheveled hair adding years to her. Jamie felt a

disappointment. She had begun to think she would never see her again, yet here she was, a

Jamie, a flicker of recognition crossing her

Tears streamed down her face as

Jamie brought Linda home.

cab, the driver shot her a disdainful look. "Miss, where did you pick up

do you mean they shouldn't? I'm

you can't bring someone that filthy into the

the driver's harsh words. Jamie tightened

welcome, we're not taking

voice was icy as she stepped out of the car,

her frightened mother. "It's okay, Mom. If they don't want us, we'll

make her feel safe. Once inside, she

Linda's mental state was fragile. She could barely speak coherently, let alone

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