* 27 years ago an entire class vanished, until a desperate mother noticed a crucial detail…

Helen set her teacup down and turned to Laura with a gentle smile. You know, my psychologist told me something that’s been helpful. She said we should face our pain whenever it comes, and accept it as part of ourselves, not try to hide or bypass it.

Helen paused, considering her next words carefully. I was thinking, maybe we could look at some photos together, if you’re up for it, of course. Laura took another sip of her tea, letting the warm liquid soothe her.

After a moment she nodded. I think that might be good, she said softly. Helen stood up and walked to the TV cabinet, pulling out a photo album.

She returned to the sofa and sat close to Laura, placing the album between them. As they began to flip through the pages, a flood of memories washed over them. The photos chronicled happier times, their children’s first day of school, birthday parties and family picnics.

Laura and Helen found themselves sharing stories and reminiscing about the past, their voices a mixture of laughter and tears. Do you remember when Rory and Sally first started at that school? Laura asked, pointing to a picture of the two girls in their uniforms. Helen nodded, a wistful smile on her face.

Grade five, wasn’t it? The school had only been open for two years at that point. That’s right, Laura confirmed. I remember how small the class was at first, just six students, but by the end of that year it had grown to fifteen.

The school really put a lot of effort into marketing, didn’t they? Helen mused. All those discounted fees to attract parents. They continued to flip through the album.

Laura’s eye was suddenly drawn to a photo she had never seen before. It showed Rory and Sally, along with some of their classmates, working on a science project during the school science fair. The children’s faces were alight with enthusiasm, completely unaware of the tragedy that would befall them.

This picture, it’s beautiful, Laura said, her voice barely above a whisper. Where did you get it from? Helen looked at the photo and explained, I received it from the police a few months ago. Since the case went cold, they allowed parents to collect copies of evidence materials.

I went down to the station and requested everything they had. Laura was surprised. I didn’t know we could do that.

If I had known, I would have asked for copies too. Helen gave her a sad smile. Maybe it’s better that you didn’t.

To be honest, having all this evidence, it’s made it harder for me to move on. That’s part of why I needed therapy. I spent so many sleepless nights poring over those files, looking for something, anything, that might give us answers.

As they continued to look through the photos, Laura came across another unfamiliar image. It was a class picture taken in front of a yellow school bus, the very bus that had taken the children on that fateful trip. Laura studied the photo intently, her eyes scanning each face.

Suddenly she noticed something that made her heart skip a beat. Helen, she said, her voice filled with confusion and a hint of hope. Why is Principal Lillian Brooks in this picture? I thought Mr Gregory, the classroom teacher, went alone with the kids and just one support staff that day.

Helen leaned in to look at the photo more closely. You know, I’m not entirely sure, she said, furrowing her brow. I remember hearing rumours from some other parents that the staff member was actually the Principal, but I never gave it much thought.

Laura couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. All these years she had believed it was just the teacher and a co-teacher or admin staff on that trip. The presence of the Principal in this photo raised questions she had never considered before.

As Laura opened her mouth to voice her concerns, Helen gently placed a hand on her arm. Laura, she said softly, I know that look in your eyes. We’ve been down this road before, thinking we’ve found something crucial, dozens if not hundreds of times.

It’s not good for us to cling to false hope. Laura wanted to argue, to insist that this detail could be important, but she saw the concern in Helen’s eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the surge of emotions within her.

You’re right, she said finally, though a part of her still clung to the nagging doubt. It’s probably nothing. Helen gave her a sympathetic smile and turned back to the photo album.

Look, she said pointing to the bus in the background. This photo was most likely taken before the trip, on school grounds. That would explain why the Principal was there.

Laura nodded, though not entirely convinced. She glanced at the clock on the wall and realised they had been talking for almost an hour. Helen, I hate to do this, but I should probably get going, she said, standing up.

I want to visit Rory’s grave, bring her some flowers, and tidy up a bit. I do it every year, you know. Helen nodded in understanding.

Of course, would you like some company? Sally’s grave is in the same area. Laura appreciated the offer, but saw the hesitation in Helen’s eyes. That’s kind of you, but I know you prefer to go with Matthew later.

I’ll be all right. As Laura prepared to leave, she paused and turned back to Helen. Would it be all right if I took that photo with me, the one with the school bus? Helen seemed to consider for a moment before nodding…