The Return

by Margaret Guthrie

“You’re wanted on the phone,” Margie yelled, sounding irritated, as if the call was an interruption, or maybe a disappointment. Maybe she’d thought it was Dianne.

  It was Pearl. “I understand you have something to give the children for their treasure hunt.”

  “Oh, yes. I found these little yellow ribbon bookmarks with the peace symbol on them. That’d be easy to hide, as well as easy to write out a clue for.” She heard a slight intake of breath on the other end of the phone, then a strange pause.

  “Ah, Lydia, I’m not so sure that would be a good idea. You see, those bookmarks...well, what can I say, they were one of the things we used to spread the word. That peace symbol was something special, nearly sacred. I really don’t think the children, what I mean is, they’re bound to ask questions.”

  “That’s what children do, Pearl. You should have heard what they asked when I was about to open that shed door. ‘Are you going to let out the dead children?’ Can you imagine?” Her little laugh didn’t get a response and Lydia paused, wondering.

  “Could I come over? I think we need to talk face to face, Lydia. Margie, too. I’m at the school, actually, doing a little work.”

  “On Sunday?”

  “Oh, yes. What else do I have to do? I like being busy. It’s not so lonely that way.”

  Lydia supposed being a widow might be lonely, though she herself always liked aloneness, never seemed to get enough of it. Probably one reason she never got married. “Sure, come on over.” It was late afternoon, but she could check her email later. It’ll be good to see you.”