She looked directly into the camera. Zayn, if you’re watching this, please come back to me. Come home. The other families continued grieving publicly, but Helen couldn’t. She’d learned to lock her emotions away. When the interviews concluded, a police officer approached. “Mrs. Hayes, can we escort you home?” She nodded gratefully.
As they walked to the patrol car, she caught sight of the plane one last time. 19 years it had lain in the ocean’s depths, keeping its terrible secrets. Now those secrets were surfacing, and Helen wasn’t sure she was ready for what they might reveal. The drive home was silent. The young officer seemed to understand she needed quiet. When they reached her house, he walked her to the door. “Ma’am, if you need anything.
” “Thank you,” Helen said softly. She waited until his patrol car disappeared around the corner before entering her home. Inside her hallway, Helen pressed her back against the closed door and finally let go. The tears came in great heaving sobs. 19 years of grief pouring out in the safety of her own home.
She slid down to the floor, her navy dress pooling around her, and wept for her lost son, for the boys who’ died for all the years of not knowing. After what felt like hours, but was probably 20 minutes, Helen pulled herself together. She used the wall to stand, her knees protesting, and made her way to the small study where her ancient computer sat.
The machine hummed to life slowly, and she navigated to her old Usenet forum. She hadn’t posted in nearly a decade. The support group for families of missing persons had been her lifeline in the early years, but eventually she’d stopped, unable to bear the constant cycle of hope and disappointment. Now her fingers trembled as she typed, “They found the plane.
” After 19 years, the Navy pulled it from the ocean. Two of the boys were inside, shot dead. My Zay wasn’t there. I don’t know what to think. Responses came quickly. Some offered prayers and encouragement. Others, perhaps more realistic after years of dashed hopes, cautioned her gently not to expect too much.
One message read, “Helen, after 19 years, please protect your heart.” She lost track of time reading and responding, the familiar usernames bringing back memories. When she finally glanced at the clock, panic shot through her. Her doctor appointment was in 45 minutes and the bus ride took 30. Helen also wanted to visit Malcolm at his home.
He deserved to know about the plane regardless of their strained relationship. She grabbed her purse and hurried out, walking as quickly as her aging legs would allow. The bus was pulling away just as she reached the stop. She waved frantically, but the driver didn’t see her. Frustrated, she checked the schedule. 40 minutes until the next one.
A man stood at the far end of the bus shelter, keeping his distance, but watching her intently. He was perhaps 50, wearing a faded jacket and jeans. Something about his stare made her deeply uncomfortable. “Nice day,” Helen offered, attempting to diffuse the tension. The man didn’t smile. His eyes were cold, almost hostile. “Saw you on the news this morning,” he said flatly.
Your son thought he’d be dead by now, probably sinking at the bottom of some trench. Helen recoiled. What’s your problem? Another bus approached, not hers. The man climbed aboard without another word. Through the window, he continued to stare at her, his expression unreadable, but somehow menacing.
Helen tried to calm her racing heart. “Some people were just cruel,” she told herself. They couldn’t understand the pain of losing family. She checked her watch, 30 minutes to kill. The pay phone outside the local supermarket was three blocks away. She could call her husband, let them know about the news. The walk would help clear her head.
The supermarket was busy. Shoppers moving in and out with their groceries. Helen located the pay phone and dialed her husband’s familiar number. She told him everything. Malcolm had initially refused to acknowledge anything about the jet plane that had been found, but Helen eventually persuaded him to listen.
I’ll be there at 3, she assured him, right after my doctor’s appointment. She hung up and turned to leave. Her blood ran cold. The same man from the bus stop stood directly behind her, having appeared silently. “What?” he said rudely when she gasped. Helen didn’t answer. She walked away quickly, her sensible shoes clicking on the pavement.
She cast nervous glances over her shoulder. The man had picked up the pay phone receiver, but his eyes followed her as she walked. Something was very wrong. This wasn’t coincidence. Helen quickened her pace, suddenly very aware of how vulnerable she was, a 63-year-old woman alone on the street. The familiar shops of Crescent Harbor suddenly seemed less comforting.
She needed to get somewhere safe, somewhere with people. Helen pushed through the supermarket’s automatic doors, immediately feeling safer among the weekend shoppers. The familiar sounds of cartwheels squeaking and cashier scanners beeping helped calm her nerves. She noticed a bus stop sign through the window near the supermarket entrance, closer than walking back to the original stop.
The store was well stocked with fresh produce displays and grocery aisles occupying the first floor. Helen had often shopped here over the years, finding comfort in routine. The escalator to the second floor hummed quietly. She gripped the rail and ascended, thinking about Malcolm. He’d always loved National Geographic magazines, even in his current state.