Miriam’s eyes flickered, the bubbling to the surface. “It’s not the picture, dear,” she replied, voice tight. “It’s the time when everything seemed simpler. When I could protect you without feeling… inadequate.”

Behind her, a figure lingered in the shadows, eyes narrowed with a silent fury. That was , the nickname her mother had given her when she was a child, a name that now felt like a brand of resentment. Missax had always been protective, but over the past year her protectiveness had curdled into something darker: jealousy . The Roots of Jealousy Helena’s mother, Miriam Locke , had spent decades building a reputation as the town’s most reliable archivist. Her meticulous nature made her a pillar of the community, but it also left little room for personal indulgence. When Helena returned from university with a scholarship and a promising career, Miriam’s pride swelled—until she saw the affection Helena’s boyfriend, Ethan , received from the townsfolk.

Helena reached across the table, her hand resting on her mother’s. “You’ve always protected me. That’s why I’m here. I’m not trying to replace you; I’m building on what you taught me.”

Title: Helena Locke’s Jealous Mother Helena Locke stared at the cracked photograph on the mantelpiece, the edges frayed from years of handling. The image captured a moment she could never reclaim: a bright summer day in 2023, the date etched faintly in the corner— 23 02 17 . The sun glinted off the lake, and a young woman—Helena—laughed, her arm draped over a man’s shoulders.

“Mom, why do you keep looking at this picture like it’s a wound?” Helena asked, her voice steady but soft.