The charity gala was completely full of wealthy guests.
Eleanor stood near the middle of the bright room.
Her long sequined gown caught the soft overhead lights.
She held a glass of sparkling water in her hand.
People were talking and laughing all around the large hall.
Eleanor smiled politely at the local city council members.
She always attended these big fundraising events every single year.
Her family had owned the local bank for three generations.
She adjusted her heavy diamond necklace with her right hand.
Suddenly she felt a gentle tug on her silk dress.
Eleanor looked down in total surprise at the floor below.
A tiny boy was standing right next to her shoes.
His face was smudged with dark gray dirt and grease.
His torn coat looked far too big for his shoulders.
He held out a tiny hand toward her high waist.
In his hand sat a heavy gold pocket watch.
Boy: I think this might be yours.
Eleanor froze completely as she stared down at the metal.
The gold case had a very distinctive rose engraving.
She had not seen that watch in twenty long years.
Her hands began to shake as she reached down slowly.
She gently picked up the warm watch from his palm.
The metallic chain made a soft clicking sound against her rings.
Eleanor: Where did you get this?
Boy: My mommy.
Eleanor pressed the little button on the top side edge.
The front cover popped open with a tiny mechanical click.
Inside was a faded black and white portrait photograph.
It showed a smiling young woman holding a tiny baby.
A single hot tear rolled down Eleanor's pale cheek.
Her breathing turned very shallow and fast in her chest.
She recognized the young woman in the photograph instantly.
It was her younger sister who disappeared decades ago.
Eleanor: Where is your mother right now?
Boy: She told me to wait outside the big doors.
Eleanor pulled the little boy close to her side.
She looked across the crowded room toward the wide entrance.
Her heart pounded heavily against her ribs with deep fear.
She needed to find out the truth right away.