He Found His Mother Bound in the Pantry at Midnight

CHAPTER 2 - THE WATCH THAT SHOULD NOT BE THERE

The pocket watch sat in Ethan's palm, warm from the pantry light.

His father had carried it every day until the stroke that killed him eight years ago. After the funeral, Marianne had locked it in the cedar box in her bedroom. Ethan knew because he had seen her hold it every anniversary, turning it over with both hands, whispering things meant for no one living.

So how had it ended up beside her on the pantry floor?

"Mom," he said more gently, "look at me."

She did, but only for a moment.

Laura leaned against the counter, arms crossed tight over herself. "Untie her if you want. But if you do, stay with her. Don't leave her alone tonight."

Ethan looked at his wife as if he didn't know her.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Laura's eyes filled, not with guilt, but exhaustion. "It means this is the third time."

Marianne shut her eyes.

Ethan stared. "Third time what?"

No one answered.

The kitchen clock ticked loudly. Outside, wind brushed the maple branches against the window. Ethan untied the belt at last, slowly, ignoring his mother's weak protest. Her wrists were red but not bruised. She rubbed them without complaint.

He helped her up. She felt frighteningly light.

"This ends now," he said. "Somebody tells me what's going on."

Marianne took one step toward the hall. "I need to go to bed."

Laura blocked her path. Not rough. Not angry. Just firm.

"No, Marianne."

Ethan had never heard his wife use his mother's first name.

Marianne's chin trembled. "Please don't do this tonight."

Laura looked at Ethan. "Last week she left the stove on and walked outside in her nightgown. Two nights ago, she tried to drive to the church at 2 a.m. She said your father was waiting there."

The room seemed to tilt.

Ethan turned to his mother. "That's not true."

Marianne's voice came out small. "I only got confused."

Then Laura reached into the junk drawer and pulled out a folded note in Marianne's handwriting.

It read: If I ask for the watch, don't let me leave.