When I was 11, my mother drowned in a freak beach accident. She was an outstanding swimmer, but she was caught in a rip tide. My father was devastated, and it took us a while to adjust to the new normal.

Last month, while in Paris for work, I noticed a woman who reminded me of my mother. I went to her. I told her about my mother, showed her some images, and asked if she knew anything.

She grinned and informed me she had a twin sister, and they were both adopted by different homes as babies. She also revealed that she had contacted my mother years ago, but they never clicked and decided not to keep in touch. She hugged me, apologized for my loss, rubbed my shoulder, and walked away. I never saw her again, nor did I tell my father.