187. Money's worth.

Florence pushed the door open and Katherine met gazes with the head of the orphanage. A woman seasoned by age but full of energy. Her gray hair did make her look older but wiser. She looked stern but kind.

"Katherine Park." She said her voice full of authority. "You grew up well." 

"Mrs. Esmeralda, it's nice to meet you." She bowed respectfully. 

"Nonsense." She rebuked her "you should say it's been a while." 

"Ahh... you knew me when I was a child? I'm sorry I don't remember." She said.

"Ofcourse you don't, you were barely two years old when your mother whisked you away. You wouldn't remember." 

"Then you do know my mother?" 

"If I didn't would I ask you to come here? Come. Sit. Miss Florence please can you get Katherine and I something to drink?" She asked.

"Sure thing." Florence nodded and walked out of the room.

"How did you know my mother? Did she... adopt me?" Katherine asked slowly, Esmeralda almost didn't hear.