The afternoon sun was completely blocked by heavy gray rain clouds hanging over the town.
Margarethe sat inside her warm mansion while the heavy storm raged outside her wide framed windows.
She was a woman who valued order and quiet above everything else in her life.
Her vast home contained expensive paintings and polished floors that shone under glowing crystal chandeliers.
Yet despite all her immense wealth, the big house always felt empty and cold to visitors.
Margarethe had cut ties with her daughter Sarah many years ago over an unfortunate family argument.
She never talked about Sarah and refused to allow anyone to mention her name again.
Suddenly, a heavy knock echoed through the wide marble entryway of the grand home.
Margarethe frowned deeply as she set her tea cup down on the polished side table.
She stood up slowly and walked toward the high double doors to see who arrived.
When she pulled the heavy door open, a soaking wet child stood shivering in the doorway.
Margarethe: Who are you and why are you ringing my bell in this weather?
Lily: Excuse me, ma'am, but my boots broke and I lost my way in the storm.
Margarethe: This is a private residence, not a shelter for lost children.
Lily: I only wanted to stand under your porch until the heavy rain stopped.
Margarethe: You are tracking mud all over my clean front entrance right now.
Lily: I am so sorry, I will step back out onto the driveway.
Margarethe glared at the small girl standing before her on the stone step.
The child looked about eight years old and wore a patched coat that was wet.
Margarethe: Where are your parents supposed to be right now?
Lily: My mom passed away last year, so I live with my uncle nearby.
Margarethe: That is no excuse to trespass on private property like this today.
The old woman felt a sudden surge of irritation at the unexpected interruption to her evening.
She reached out to close the door, but the little girl stepped back too fast.
The child slipped on the wet stone surface and tumbled backward onto the marble entryway.
Margarethe gasped in surprise as the girl landed awkwardly near the edge of the rug.
Margarethe: Watch where you are going before you break something in my house!
Lily: Ouch, my knee hurts a little bit now.
Margarethe: Stand up right now and leave before I call the local authorities.
The little girl wiped tears from her damp cheeks as she tried to gather herself.
As she stood up, a small metal object slipped out from her wet coat pocket.
It bounced softly across the smooth marble floor and landed right near Margarethe's expensive shoes.
The bright hall lights reflected off the polished surface of the small gold object resting there.
Margarethe stopped speaking instantly as her eyes landed on the shiny piece of metal.
It was an oval gold locket attached to a delicate broken chain with a small blue jewel.