In none of the versions I imagined was there a man in a silk robe.

In none of them was there the word maid.

And in none of them, not one, was my mother where I was about to find her.

I think it is important to say, before I tell you what I found, that I had not been a neglectful daughter.

I need that to be true, and I have examined it honestly, and I believe it is.

I had called constantly.