End-of-Life Planning
The Shadow in the Attic
In this third story in the series, a woman struggles to come to terms with the past; as a result, it prevents her from dealing with the future.
Martha Hartley was known for her practicality. At 56, she had navigated life’s challenges with a steady hand and a sharp mind. Her home, a modest two-story house on Elm Street, reflected her orderly nature — everything in its place, everything accounted for. Except, that is, for the old trunk in the attic.
The trunk had belonged to her grandmother, a woman of mystery and secrets, or so Martha had been told. It was the only thing Martha hadn’t sorted through after her grandmother passed away a decade ago. Despite her usually meticulous nature, Martha had avoided it, leaving it to gather dust and quietly intimidate her.
One rainy afternoon, with nothing pressing on her schedule, Martha stood at the bottom of the attic stairs. The house was tranquil, the only sound was the soft patter of rain on the roof. She looked up at the dark opening above, a strange flutter in her chest. She had always told herself she’d go through the trunk eventually, but the idea of it made her uneasy.
What was in there? Old photos? Family heirlooms? Or something darker, something she wasn’t ready to face? The unknown possibilities swirled in her mind…
