Chapter 4 The Interrogation of Unwanted Memories
After they ate they moved to the living room and preferred after dinner drinks were passed around. It took a few minutes before William noticed the framed picture on the coffee table. Naomi noticed it as well and leaned closer to get a better look at what had caught William's interest. Jim and Blair held their breath as William picked the photo up with a shaky hand. "Were did you get this?" he asked in a whisper.
"It was in a box in the closet, we found it yesterday. I think it was yours so you can take it if you want. But I kind of like looking at her although it would be nice if I knew who she was." Jim answered adding the hint to see if his dad would explain why he was never told about the girl in the photo.
"Oh a mystery! I love a good mystery," Naomi leaned over and placed a hand on William's to stead the trembling photo. "She looks so young and happy. She must be a family member, she looks like you Jim." William sank into the couch weariness setting in. "Lets not get into this, it's the past and I don't think there is enough time for that." Everyone looked at William as he spoke.
"Dad we have the whole night and the rest of this lifetime. I know there must be memories you don't want to remember and some you obviously want to forget otherwise you wouldn't have hidden this picture. I know that trying to keep things hidden makes it seem or feel like less harm is being done, but it can cause more harm then not saying anything at all. We were pushed apart in the past by things and memories we didn't want to let go but I think you can do this. It will be hard but once it's out it's over and we can help you move on. It will get better after, I know it will." Jim pleaded with him knowing first hand about secrets and the trouble they caused. Blair reached over and gave his arm a quick squeeze knowing he had meant them as well. There were a few minutes of silence before William signed and slowly nodded his head.
"Give him a minute to collect himself, I'm sure he would like another drink," Naomi said to avoid the awkwardness. Jim and Blair got new drinks as Naomi helped by bringing out some snacks Blair handed her. William sat on the couch deep in though until they returned and were all seated comfortably again. "I would like to tape this for later if it isn't much trouble, that way you will only have to say it once if you like," Blair took out a small tape recorder he used for field notes.
"It's been so long since I talked about this" William admitted. Naomi put her hand on his and leaned a little closer sensing his sadness and having felt it herself so long ago. "I'm sure you'll do fine," she reassured him. He gave a weak smile as he looked down at the picture still in his hand. Blair started the tape recorder as William began his story.