Chapter 25 - THE PHOTOGRAPH
The old family photograph survived everything.
The one I carried to Leonard’s funeral.
Robert.
Leonard.
Amelia.
Veronica partially visible behind them.
Years later, Amelia asked:
“Why did you bring this?”
“To the cemetery?”
“Yes.”
“I wanted to remember Leonard’s scar.”
“Why?”
“I thought if they opened the coffin and he was badly injured, I could identify him.”
She stared.
“That’s awful.”
“Yes.”
“Did you think it might not be him?”
“I didn’t know what I thought.”
“Then why demand opening?”
I considered.
“Because Veronica was afraid.”
Amelia nodded.
Same skill she developed.
Watch who fears verification.
Then:
“Can I have the photo?”
I handed it over.
She framed it in her apartment.
Not because it was happy.
Because it contained people before the crimes rearranged them.
Robert alive.
Leonard young.
Veronica smiling.
May you like
Amelia small.
History before meaning hardened.
