"I see you like me, which is why I'm going to give you a gift for not scolding me."

"Are you chastising me?"

"You know how things usually go. You have a temper tantrum because a child sees an older woman like me."

"No, not at all."

"Let us not linger on it. Please extend your hand."

"Why my hand?"

"This is your present."

"Okay."

Violet took the woman's hand in hers, closed her eyes, and placed her palm against hers. It was a gift from her ...