Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN WHO LEFT
The official story of Anna’s disappearance had always been cruel because it was simple.
October 17.
Anna and I argued.
She had not slept properly in days.
She had been having episodes I thought were panic attacks.
Confusion.
Irritability.
She once forgot the code to our garage.
Another time she accused me of moving furniture that had not moved.
I wanted her to see a doctor.
She said she was tired of everyone treating her like she was fragile.
That night we fought.
I said:
“You need help.”
She answered:
“You always think you know what everyone needs.”
Then she left to stay with Marlene.
At least that was what I believed.
Marlene called at 10:30.
“Anna’s here.”
“Is she okay?”
“She needs space.”
I asked to speak to her.
“No.”
Next morning:
“She left.”
“Where?”
“She won’t tell me.”
Then a text from Anna’s number.
I need time. Don’t look for me. Take care of Lily.
I called.
Number disconnected two days later.
Marlene told me Anna had withdrawn cash before leaving.
Bank statement showed $4,000.
She said Anna took clothes.
Some were missing.
I filed a missing-person report anyway.
Police noted adult woman had communicated voluntarily and apparently left by choice.
No evidence of foul play.
A week later, a letter arrived.
Same message.
Do not look for me.
I believed it.
I hated her.
I defended her to Lily.
“Mom is sick.”
Then:
“Mom needs time.”
Then eventually:
“Mom loves you even if she can’t be here.”
I did not know whether I believed that last one.
May you like
Four years is long enough for grief to harden into judgment.
Now I had to consider that every object proving Anna abandoned us might have passed through Marlene first.
