Selma Payne's POV:
"From the moment we met again, Selma, I felt you were an extraordinary child." My mother ran her fingers through my hair. "You have a lot of secrets, and that's what makes your father and I feel the most helpless. We don't want to get to the bottom of this, but you should be free of pressure on your own. As parents, we can't do anything other than comfort them. How irresponsible is that?"
"No, Mother..."
"You've always been a good child. You're always thinking about us and everyone around you but often ignore yourself." My mother interrupted me and looked at me with both relief and sadness. "You should rely on us once in a while, Selma. Rely on your useless father and mother. You've never been alone, child. If you're tired, we'll always be your resting arms."
My mother rarely took the lead in a conversation. She was always reserved and gentle, leaving the scene to my father or me and looking at us quietly and contentedly.
