Out of the Shadows

In the early years it had been: 'You are too young to understand, dear, and it is yet too painful for me to discuss, Isabel. Someday, when you are grown.'

Isabel waited.

At length the excuse became altered, turning back upon itself. 'That was all so long ago, Isabel. Why talk of the past now? Both your parents are gone. Dragging them out of the shadows and dusting off their memories won't bring them back again.' At this point, Aunt Gwen would wrinkle her nose in distaste.

'You may uncover thin...