Chapter 10: The Photograph in the Pocket
“You’re lying,” Vanessa said.
Lauren reached into the pocket of her gray uniform with trembling fingers.
Vanessa’s eyes widened.
“Don’t.”
Everyone heard it.
One small word, filled with panic.
Lauren pulled out a folded photograph.
It was worn at the edges, softened by years of being opened and closed.
She handed it to Ethan.
His fingers shook as he unfolded it.
There they were.
Clara and Ethan in the garden, laughing beneath a white arch of roses. Clara was holding baby Noah against her chest. On the back, written in faded ink, were six words:
For Noah, when I come back.
Ethan’s eyes filled instantly.
“Where did you get this?”
Lauren whispered, “It was in my coat the night I woke up.”
Vanessa stepped back.
Not far.
But enough… Continue Reading ⬇️
