Page 7 of One Last Goodbye

“Old ones, mostly. Golden Age and before.”

“What are Golden Age comic books?”

“Nineteen-thirty-eight to nineteen-fifty-six. It began with the introduction of Superman and transitioned to the Silver Age when the Flash was introduced inShowcaseNumber Four.”

“The Flash is the really fast one, right?”

I expect a chuckle or a tolerant smile at that. At the very least, a sigh of exasperation at being forced to discuss comics with an old woman. Instead, I receive only a nod and a very matter-of-fact. "Yes, he's the fast one."

“Which superhero is your favorite?”

“I don’t have one.”

“Oh, come on,” I press. “There must be one comic that you prefer to all others. What was the issue you enjoyed reading the most?”

“Oh, I don’t read them. I collect them.”

I blink. “If you don’t read them, what do you do with them?”

“Most of them go in laminated pockets and stay in insulated drawers. The more valuable ones I keep behind glass in climate-controlled display cases.”

“You have room for all of that in your bedroom?”

He furrows his brow as though the question is ridiculous. “Yes. Dad converted my second walk-in closet into a gallery.”

His second walk-in closet. I forget sometimes just how wealthy some people are. “That’s fascinating. I’d love to see them sometime.”

He nods. “Very well. Perhaps after my studies.”

I smile again. “You have a very elegant speaking style. You must be very intelligent.”

“Thank you.”

Again, he is matter-of-fact. There is no emotion in his voice at all. It’s as though I’m speaking to an android in the body of a young boy. I know he’s not emotionless, though. I saw him show emotion at dinner yesterday. He plays with Sophie when she brings them ice cream, and he reacts viscerally to the conflict between his parents.

I will just have to be patient with him. He doesn’t know me well. It’s not fair of me to expect him to warm up to me right away. In the meantime, I will continue to be friendly.

“What did you do over winter break?” The Christmas vacation ended the day of my arrival. Today is their first day back in school.

“We stayed here.”

“Well, that’s understandable. You live in one of the most beautiful locations on Earth. Did you go out on the lake or up to the mountains?”

I see the first sign of emotion from him this morning when he replies in a desolate voice. "No. We stayed in the house." He stands abruptly and says, "I'm going to brush my teeth. I'll bring Olivia downstairs when it's time for school. Do you know where the schoolroom is?"

“No.”

“We’ll meet you in the living room, then. I’ll show you where it is.”

“Thank you. It was nice talking with you, Ethan.”

He meets my face for a moment, but whatever he's searching for, he doesn't find. So, I only get a nod in response.

He leaves me to wonder what could have happened to this family to drive both of these children so deeply into their shells. And what can I do to draw them out?

And what will I discover when I do?

CHAPTER FOUR

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