“You can be honest, Mom. Regardless of whether we share the same goal, you can confide in me anytime.”

Belinda pressed her lips together. She put on a self-deprecating smile and said, “You sound as if it makes you unhappy to be my daughter. Would you not have chosen me to be your mom if you were given a choice?”

Caroline said, “We can’t choose our parents.”

Belinda replied, “The worst thing I’ve ever done in my life is connected to your aunts’ deaths.

“I was dissatisfied and resentful. I was