Among Family

Among Family

The photograph was found in the back of the old bookcase along with two pairs of tiny shoes and two little ties. A group family photo, it seemed: Grandmother, grandfather, father, mother, and many children. Maybe some aunts and uncles included. One woman wore an apron and cap. The furniture was Victorian. Everyone except the obvious servant was dressed as if they were about to go to a wedding. No one smiled.

My wife had purchased the bookcase during a trip to New Hampshire, a few summers ago with her twin sister, Ruthie. Now we were sitting in my cottage by the lake in Nova Scotia. All present were my wife and me, and Ruthie and her husband, drinking red wine. The fireplace was blazing while watery snow struck the window. I passed the black and white photograph to Edward who studied it.

“Notice anything about the two little boys sitting on the sofa?” Edward asked, passing the photograph to his wife.

Ruthie laughed. “What strange little boys. Twins, I would imagine. Little ties, little hands, little shoes. Their eyes are the only ones that are closed.

Edward said, “Both boys are dead.”

THE END