Under the dappled light filtering through the ancient canopy, Angina's smile twisted with intrigue as she probed the identity of her unexpected acquaintance. "Oh, Dick and I share quite the history. But pray tell, what relation do you claim with him?" Her voice, laced with curiosity, echoed softly amongst the whispers of the forest.
The air hung thick with anticipation as Risa, caught in the snare of Angina's questioning, hesitated. The weight of revelation bore down on her, the urge to declare her maternal bond to Dick wrestling with the caution that gripped her heart. The forest, a silent witness to their exchange, seemed to hold its breath.
"I am Dick's..." Risa's voice trailed off, the admission of her role in Dick's life teetering on the edge of her lips. Yet, the fear of exposing her son to unknown dangers sealed her words within. The responsibility of safeguarding his anonymity loomed large, casting a shadow over her desire for openness.
