Clara stood frozen in place as the wealthy woman moved closer to her tray.
The bright restaurant lights shone directly on the unique birthmark on her left hand.
Eleanor: May I please see your birthmark up close for just one moment?
Clara: Of course ma'am but I have had it since I was a tiny baby.
The older lady gently held Clara's wrist with incredible care and softness.
Her hands felt warm and soft against Clara's cold skin in that moment.
She studied every curve of the tiny heart shape with absolute intensity.
Julian: Mother you are making this poor young waitress feel very uncomfortable.
Eleanor: Be quiet Julian because you do not understand what I am looking at.
A heavy silence fell over the surrounding tables as other guests turned to watch.
The manager stood near the kitchen door watching the scene with deep concern.
Clara felt her heart racing fast inside her chest as tension filled the air.
She did not know why this rich woman cared about her simple skin mark.
Eleanor: My sweet child where were you born twenty-two long years ago?
Clara: I was born in a small town hospital just thirty miles north of here.
Eleanor: And did your birth parents raise you in that town as a child?
Clara: No ma'am I was raised by foster parents after being found alone.
The older lady covered her mouth with both hands as fresh tears fell down.
She sat back down on the edge of her chair with a shaking frame.
Her hands moved quickly toward the shiny black leather purse on her lap.
The metallic zipper made a sharp sound as she opened the bag wide.
Julian: Please do not bring out those old memories again tonight mother.
Eleanor: I must check this right now before my heart bursts from hope.
She reached deep inside her purse to pull out a small velvet box.
The restaurant background music kept playing soft guitar tunes softly in the background.
Clara watched every single movement with absolute fascination and quiet fear.
She felt that something life-changing was about to happen in this room.
The lady opened the tiny box to reveal a solid gold heart locket.
It sparkled under the ceiling lights with deep intricate engravings on its surface.