Chapter 23: Apologies

This woman was taken aback by the sudden embrace. She looked somewhat lost as she glanced at the person behind her, who managed to steady her body to prevent her from almost falling over. A gentle smile carried a hint of indulgence in their voice.
"Child, you shouldn't shout like that. I am not your mother," said the person with a tender tone.
But Eddie seemed to not have heard a word, tightly clinging onto Julia. "Mommy, why did you come back so late? Daddy and I have been waiting for you for a long time." His voice carried a trace of reproach. "
"Daddy comes to see you every year, even though he never lets me come along. But Daddy always tells me how much you love me," Eddie continued.
"Child, I really am not your mother. You've mistaken me for someone else. If you don't believe me, ask your father," she patiently explained.
"I'm sorry," Eddie apologized softly. "It's just that you really look so much like my mom."
"Where is your mom?" she couldn't help but ask.
Eddie shook his head. "I don't know. Dad said she went to a faraway place. He was just with her near a tombstone, and her picture was stuck on that tombstone."
She suddenly understood. This child's mother had passed away. What a poor child.
He wanted to go back and ask Dad. He wanted to tell Dad that he saw Mom, but she didn't recognize him and said he had mistaken her for someone else.
"Madam, can I come and find you later?" Eddie asked her before leaving.
She was taken aback for a moment and then replied, "I don't live here, so you won't be able to find me."
"Then, can you tell me your name?"
"You should go back. If your family can't find you, they'll worry."
Eddie knew she didn't want to give him her information. Disappointed, he left and returned to his dad.
Elio was still sitting in front of that tombstone, looking gentle as ever. Eddie didn't notice any of this. He rushed over and hugged Elio tightly, his voice filled with uncontrollable excitement. "Daddy, Daddy, I saw Mom! I just saw Mom!"
Elio's expression grew cold. "Eddie, let go."
"Daddy, it's true!"