Twice a Pawn

Slightly stunned, Valerie looked at Vera worriedly.

Vera was still kindly smiling, with tears in her eyes. She held Valerie's hand while affectionately looking into Valerie's face, murmuring, "Finally I find you..." Valerie wouldn't have believed Vera had Alzheimer's if Vera hadn't confused her with someone else.

"Vera," Valerie asked softly, "Are you here by yourself?"

Vera gave Valerie a puzzled