43: Officially not invited

"Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood."

Coldness breaks out onto my skin and my throat runs dry as I stare at Anna's parents in awe. "You are not our Anna."

"How did you know?" my brow narrowing is the only expression my face gives even though I am tumbling on the inside.

Maria steps forward and gently takes my hand, "We were Anna's parent for fifteen years and we could tell you weren't her the minute you spoke. And indeed it has been long, but we raised Anna and we know what's unlike her. We believe that you are Cara Wilson our long lost daughter." Her eyes are glassy and filled with much hope and happiness.

I turn to look at Eli who is far away and unable to hear what we're saying, "Then why didn't you say anything?"

"Because it doesn't look like you have a choice in wha