Page 68 of Phoenix Rising

Tilly fingered the chain around her neck. “No.”

“Phoenix didn’t give it to you?” Ariel shook her head in vehement denial. “Can I ask where you got it?”

Her face scrunched. “I don’t remember.”

“Sweetie, did someone give it to you?” Talia prompted.

“Yes.”

“But you don’t remember who?”

“No, but he had a bird on his arm.”

“A bird? You mean like a parrot, here?” Audria patted her shoulder.

Tilly tossed her head from side to side. “No, here.” She pointed to the inside of her forearm.

“A tattoo of a bird?” Talia clarified.

“Yes.” Tilly shuddered. “It was mean, and I thought it would claw me.”

“Did it look like an eagle?” Audria wondered.

“I don’t know. I guess.”

Audria hated pushing the woman, but it was necessary. “Ariel, may I borrow the necklace? I want to find one like it. I’ll bring it back to you.”

Tilly covered it with her hand. “It’s mine. He gave it to me.”

Talia patted her leg. “I know, sweetie, but Allie will be very careful with it. She is my friend, so she is now your friend too. Friends share things.”

Tilly looked conflicted, but she reluctantly nodded. “Okay. You can borrow it, but I can’t get it off by myself.”

“I will do it,” Talia said, leaning over to remove the clasp. She handed the necklace to Audria. “Thank you, Tilly. That was very generous of you. Now, I have a surprise for you.” Talia reached into her bag and withdrew a battered teddy bear. Tilly’s eyes lit with joy.

“Buddy!”

She swiped it from Talia and hugged it to her chest. “I thought he was lost.”

“I found him and kept him safe until I could return him to you.”

Tilly hugged Talia. “Thank you. He’s my best friend after you and my brother. And now Allie.”

Audria’s heart squeezed.

A knock sounded on the door, and they all turned toward it as a woman stuck her head inside. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Ariel, it’s time for your appointment.”

“But, Ms. Downy, I want to stay with Tina,” Tilly complained.

“I must go now, anyway, sweetie. I will come to see you again before I leave town.”

Tilly hugged Talia fiercely and then held out her arms to Audria. Touched, she embraced the girl tightly. They watched as she pushed her walker to the door and then turned and waved. They returned the gesture and waited for her to leave before they made their exit.

“Why did you want the necklace?” Talia asked her as they left the facility.

Audria withdrew her phone, scrolled to the picture of Paige Stockton, and handed it to her coworker.

“My God, it is the same one,” Talia marveled.

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