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

Just as she was about to turn and leave, feeling embarrassed by her impulsive decision, she noticed two women walking along the sidewalk. One of the women appeared to be in her mid-thirties, while the other was older, closer to Laura’s age. As they turned on to the walkway leading to the house, their eyes met Laura’s, and she immediately recognised the older woman as Principal Lillian Brooks, even though time had added lines to her face and softened the sharpness of her features.

The principal didn’t seem to recognise Laura at first, her expression polite but questioning. «‘Can I help you?’ she asked, her voice kind but cautious. Laura swallowed hard, suddenly feeling nervous.

«‘I’m Laura Calloway,’ she said, watching as recognition dawned on the principal’s face. Principal Brooks froze for a moment, her composure slipping as she began to stutter. «‘Oh, Mrs. Calloway, I—please just give me a moment.’ She turned to the younger woman, ushering her towards the house.

«‘Why don’t you go inside and make yourself comfortable? I’ll be right there.’ As the principal fumbled with her keys to unlock the door, Laura’s mind raced. She knew the principal had no children, so who was this younger woman? Was she interrupting something important? Once the younger woman was inside, Principal Brooks followed her inside. Laura saw as she switched on the lights of the house.

Laura decided to approach closer to the doorway. Waiting at the threshold, Laura debated whether she should call out or wait, but as the minutes stretched on, impatience crept in. The house was eerily quiet except for the faintest murmur of voices in the distance.

After a beat she raised her hand and knocked again, despite the fact that the door was still slightly ajar. Footsteps. Then suddenly the door swung open wider.

Lillian reappeared in a rush, wiping her hands dry on the sides of her blouse as if she had just finished washing them. «‘I’m so sorry for the wait,’ she said, forcing a small chuckle. «‘I—’ she hesitated.

«‘Forgive me, but—your name—it sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place it.’ Laura inhaled deeply before answering. «‘I’m Rory Calloway’s mother,’ she said, watching the woman’s reaction closely. «‘My daughter was in the Grade 5 class of 1996.

She vanished during the school trip.’ The Principal’s face paled, and she struggled to maintain her smile. Laura couldn’t help but notice how nervous she seemed, her eyes darting between Laura and the woman inside. Through the barely opened door behind her, Laura caught sight of the woman standing inside the house.

She wasn’t part of the conversation, yet she lingered in the background as if she was watching. Listening. Principal Brooks cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.

«‘Mrs. Calloway, I—I’m no longer the school principal, you see. I took early retirement some years ago.

May I ask why you’re here?’ Laura paused for a moment before deciding to be direct. «‘I have a question about the day of the school trip. I’m sorry for showing up unannounced.

I was in the area when it came to mind,’ she said, keeping her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. «‘I won’t take much of your time, I promise.’ The principal glanced over her shoulder again at the woman inside, then back to Laura. «‘All right,’ she said reluctantly, «‘but I can’t stay long.

I have a guest waiting.’ Laura nodded in understanding, and reached into her purse, pulling out the class photo. She held it up for Principal Brooks to see. «‘This picture,’ Laura began, «‘was it taken at the school or during the trip?’ Principal Lillian narrowed her eyes as she studied the photo.

For a moment she seemed lost in thought, her brow furrowed. «‘I think it was during—’ she started, then quickly revised her statement. «‘No.

No, it was taken at the school parking lot.’ Laura’s heart skipped a beat at the principal’s hesitation. She pressed on. «‘Were you on the trip that day?’ The principal’s eyes widened slightly, and she shook her head.

«‘No, I stayed at the school. Mr. Gregory, the classroom teacher, and a staff member from administration went on the trip. It was supposed to be me, but I had an important last-minute matter to attend to, so the admin took my place.’ Laura nodded slowly, processing this information.

It aligned with what she had always believed, but something still felt off. She decided to ask one more question, hoping it wouldn’t push too far. «‘This might be my last question, if you don’t mind.

Did you notice anything suspicious about Mr. Gregory that day? Anything at all?’ At this Principal Brooke’s demeanour changed. Her voice took on an edge of annoyance as she replied, «‘No, Mrs. Calloway, I’ve given all these statements to the police countless times. I never would have thought Mr. Gregory capable of something like this.’ She paused, her expression softening slightly.

«‘I would prefer not to speak about it any more. It was heartbreaking for me, too, and I’ve found closure. I don’t want to open old wounds again.’ Laura felt a pang of guilt at the Principal’s words.

She hadn’t meant to cause more pain. «‘I’m sorry,’ she said softly. «‘I understand, truly…