Tina looked at devastated Bette and asked, “Was there anything else…like books, diaries, or photos?”

“No, dear…nothing like that…oh, wait…” Mrs. Parker frowned, trying to remember. “Yes, there was a small red book, like a notebook or a diary. It was only partly filled so I gave it to my great-granddaughter, Jennifer. She’s 16 and likes to draw pictures and this book had a good quality paper and there were some drawings in there already.”

“Mrs. Parker, it might be a little inconvenient for you but it’s very important. Could I have the address of the school and your great-granddaughter, please? Those paintings and the diary belonged to my grandma Kennard and on the New Year’s Day she was herself for a moment and asked me to find them. That’s why I’m doing it…it could be my grandma’s last wish and I’m determined to make her happy.”

Tina let some tears spill for a more dramatic effect. Mrs. Parker sighed and said, taking Tina’s hand, “But of course, my dear…Lydia is one of my dearest friends and I’ll be happy to help.”

She wrote addresses and phone numbers, “I’m going to call Jennifer’s mother Courtney, my granddaughter, to let her know about your visit.”

“Where’s Elkin?” Tina asked, looking at the address of Mrs. Parker’s granddaughter and trying to remember this place.

“Oh, it’s about two hours away from here. When I’ll talk to Courtney she can give you the directions. It’s pretty easy to get there. I hope you will find what you’re looking for, ladies.”

“Mrs. Parker, could we possibly go up into the attic and look around?” Tina asked timidly, hoping that they might find something in there, some clues perhaps.

“Sure,” Mrs. Parker replied cheerfully, “But please excuse the old lady…I can’t climb the stairs with you. Take your time.”

Tina went up to the attic, followed by Bette who was greatly disappointed and distressed by the news. The attic was murky, filthy and looked somewhat sinister and bleak with the spider webs on the corners of the ceiling and a huge chest in the middle, ready to fall apart and empty.

In the scarce sunrays coming through the cracks in the walls they could see the specks of dust that were swirling around and settling on floor, making the attic feel completely abandoned.