Chapter 7 - THE MAN IN THE PHOTO
His name was Captain Aaron Voss.
He had processed leave requests, family emergency messages, and command notifications for our unit during my second year overseas.
In the photograph, he stood in my kitchen with his arm around Margaret's shoulders.
The timestamp was fourteen months old.
"Why was he here?" I whispered.
Gwen sat on the edge of the medical chair. "He came three times."
"Did he say why?"
"Your mother said he was helping manage your benefits."
I felt sick.
I opened the envelopes tied with string.
Letters I had sent for birthdays. Christmas. Our anniversary.
One had a pressed wildflower inside.
Another contained a photo of me standing in front of a dusty sunrise.
Gwen touched it with two fingers.
"I thought you stopped writing."
"Never."
Her mouth trembled.
In the bottom drawer of a metal cabinet, we found photocopies of forms.
Power of attorney.
Bank authorization.
Medical release.
A loan application using my veteran benefits.
Gwen's signature appeared on every page.
"Did you sign these?"
"Some. Maybe. They gave me pills before appointments. I was sick all the time."
I photographed everything.
Then I found a folder stamped CONFIDENTIAL.
Inside was a printout of emails supposedly sent by me.
Gwen,
Stop calling my command. I don't want your drama reaching my officers.
Another:
Mom has full authority. Do whatever she says.
Another:
If treatment costs too much, that's your problem.
I had never written a single word.
Gwen covered her mouth.
"I knew they were cruel," she whispered. "I didn't know how much of it was fake."
A floorboard creaked outside.
We killed the flashlight.
The doorknob turned.
Someone tried the lock.
Then Paige's voice came through the door.
"Mom?"
May you like
A pause.
"Why is the lock open?"
