From birth, Mary was an orphan. Her grandparents had never met her father, since their daughter had never admitted who he was, and she herself didnt survive the delivery. So Mary grew up in her grandparents home. Her grandmother guided her, taught her everything she knew, and her grandfather spoiled her, as she was his only and favourite granddaughter.
As the years went by and Mary grew older, it became easier to see the traits of her late mother in her, as well as hints of someone else. Her grandmother couldnt quite put her finger on it, but the neighbours always whispered that Mary looked just like the mayor from the neighbouring town.
Mary happened to overhear those rumours, though she never had the courage to look for answers herself. In fact, she wouldnt have tried to find out whether the supposed father was hers, had it not been for a fierce argument with her grandmother when Mary was thirteen. Her grandmother scolded her for spending time with boys, insisting she was far too young and warning her not to become “like her mother”. Mary was deeply offended and ran away from home. She wandered the streets until she reached the town, and stopped near a shop, just as she heard a man shout, Tom, come over here and sell me that land! What do you need so much for?
Mary recognized the name and decided to follow the man back to his house. When all the guests had left, she quietly slipped into the garden and knocked on the door.
“Are you the mayor? Tom?” she asked.
“Yes, I am. And who are you?” replied the kind-hearted man, around thirty-five years old.
“My name is Mary. I suppose you dont know much about me, since my mum never told you. Im the daughter of Emma, who died giving birth to me. People say youre my father.”
Toms thoughts drifted back to those days with the girl hed adored. His parents had forbidden him to marry her, and theyd had to part ways. He knew nothing of the child, but now, looking at Mary, he saw himself reflected in her face.
Tom returned with Mary to her home to greet her grandparents, share what he had learned, and offer them his support. He had plenty of money.
“Move closer to me. Our town has good schools. Ill help with finances. Just let me see my daughter more often.”
