Dozens more.
Rows and rows of little bags, packed in tight, nested like eggs in a carton. Not all white, either. Some were bright white. Some were cream-colored. Some were a pale tan, almost the color of sand. A few were gray.
Every single one was labeled. Every single one was coded.
My blood ran cold.
“Oh my God,” I said out loud. “Oh my God, oh my God.”
Let me back up a little. Because to understand how badly I panicked that Saturday morning, you need to understand two things.
The first thing is the six months.
The second thing is my mother.
My name is Claire Whitfield. I’m thirty-six years old. I’m a self-employed bookkeeper and tax preparer, which means I spend most of my life at a desk, staring at other people’s receipts, and February through April I basically don’t sleep.
My husband is Thomas. He’s thirty-eight. He’s an engineer for the county water authority, which is a very funny job to have, considering what happened to his parents’ house.
We’ve been married nine years. We live in a little brick ranch house outside Saratoga Springs, New York. One floor. Three bedrooms. A kitchen I love and a backyard that’s mostly dandelions.
And I want to say this right up front, because it matters: we have a really, really good marriage. We fight about the thermostat and whose turn it is to unload the dishwasher. That’s about it. We’re a team. We’ve always been a team.
Which is exactly why, last January, when Thomas’s phone rang at 5:40 in the morning, I didn’t even hesitate.
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.