The photograph told the story. Nobody said a thing.
Leo stared at it for a while before looking up at Elena.
The man in the Record Room said, holding up the phone, he is your husband?
Elena nodded slowly.
He was, she said.
Bella looked confused.
Was he? she asked.
Elena took a breath.
I have not seen him in twenty years, she said.
It was quiet for a moment.
The cool evening breeze blew through the olive grove.
Nobody noticed.
Leo looked at the photograph again.
Your son? he asked.
Elena's eyes were sad.
He disappeared the night his father vanished, she said.
Bella's voice was soft.
Have you been looking for them since? she said.
Every day Elena said.
Leo gave the phone back to Elena.
Why did you not tell us? he asked.
Because this story is not about me Elena said.
B
