I didn’t sleep.
At 3:15, Daniel texted me.
Airport PD has your report and the video. They’re coordinating with Lake Geneva police. Officers will meet you at the curb at Terminal 1, door 1E. Do NOT go through security. Let whoever drives you think everything is normal.
I wrote back: Understood. Thank you, Daniel.
His reply: You taught me this, Margaret. Just doing the job.
At 4:30, I got up and got dressed. Slacks. A cardigan. Comfortable shoes. My reading glasses on a chain around my neck.
At 4:50, there was a soft knock on my bedroom door.
“Good morning, Margaret!” Brittany’s voice was bright. Sing-song. “Ready for your big trip?”
I opened the door. She was already dressed. Full makeup at ten to five in the morning.
“Almost,” I said.
Her eyes went straight past me. To my suitcase sitting on the luggage rack.
“Want me to carry that downstairs for you?”
“No, thank you. I’ve got it.”
Her lips pressed together. Just for a second.
Ethan came out into the hallway in his bathrobe, rubbing his eyes.
“Mom. I’ll drive you to O’Hare.”
“No,” Brittany said immediately. “I’ll take her, honey. You’ve got that early meeting this morning. Go back to bed.”
Ethan hesitated. He looked at his wife. Then at me.
“You sure, babe?”
“Positive.”
“Okay,” he said. “Have a good trip, Mom. Tell Aunt Linda I said hi.”
He hugged me. Quickly.
And I wondered, as he walked back down the hallway to his bedroom, whether my son knew what his wife had done.
I didn’t think so.
But I’d been wrong about people before.
I carried my own suitcase down the stairs. Brittany walked right behind me the whole way.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.