She was looking for an old toy when she found the photo.
The old wardrobe that was kept in the loft seemed the best bet. She was rummaging through when she found an old shoebox, right at the back. She took it down and opened it. It was full of paperwork, a few letters and several old black and white photos. One in particular intrigued her. It was of a young teenager, about her own age, cradling a very young baby in her arms. She had no luck finding what she went there for, but pocketed the photo. She would ask her mother about it later. In fact, it was much later that evening when she thought of it. They had just finished tea when she found it was still in her pocket.
She held it out and said, “I found this today.”
Her mother took it and stared at it for a long time before looking up. “Where was it?” she asked in a whisper.
“It was in a shoebox up in the loft… who’s the baby?”
The mother said nothing for a while. She finally put the picture down and took her daughter’s hands in hers and squeezed. There were tears in her eyes as she began. “I would have told you before long, anyway,” she said with a faint smile and nodding, “it’s a picture of you, my love.”
The girl picked up the picture and said, “Me?”
“Yes, dear. It’s you, a lovely baby girl.”
The daughter frowned. “Who’s the woman? She doesn’t look like you.”
After a long pause, she sighed deeply and going for a tissue, she wiped her eyes. “That’s your mother, your real mother, my darling. She was only fifteen.”
The girl just sat, eyes wide.
“As you know, your father… I should say my husband, he died in an accident soon after we were married.” She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. “Over a year went by before this picture was taken.” She sat thinking for a while, then went on. “It was taken just moments before you were placed in my arms. At that very moment you became mine.” At this point, she burst into tears. After a bit, she mumbled, “Mine to love and to hold.”
Her daughter hugged her tight; really tight!