Chapter 7 -- A Response from the TRC
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Days turned into weeks, each similar to the other. The children played, slept, needed food and baths.
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Gradually there were changes. They played together more often, and all of them were potty-trained by now.
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They talked more, and even free spirit J was anxious to tell her stories.
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The children were easier to teach, too, more willing to sit still for a session of flash cards.
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One day Arnold Farquar called and suggested that Belinda come over to his office. "The TRC sent some pictures," he said. "I'd like your help in identifying them."
"You could come over here," Belinda suggested.
"I think you'd prefer to do this in a quiet environment," he countered.
When Belinda arrived, she noticed that he seemed a bit distressed. "The pictures?" she reminded him.
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Arnold Farquar went over to the bookcase. "There are only seven," he told her. "By our count, there should be fourteen." Without another word, he handed her the folder.
Belinda gasped. "They're all so thin," she exclaimed.
"But you do recognize them?" Arnold asked.
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"Yes, this is J Huntington, Jr.," Belinda told him.
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"And this is Ski Holiday."
"Do you mean Marguerite?"
"Yes," said Belinda. "We all called her Ski, though, because she loved winter sports. And she used to have long hair -- it looks like she hacked it off with a knife."
"I doubt they'd be allowed knives," said Arnold. "It might have been a seashell, or maybe she got it cut before being taken hostage."
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"This is Gavin's father, Thomas Richardson," Belinda continued. "He didn't used to have a beard."
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"Liberty's father," she continued, "but he's very pale. In fact, all of them are except Thomas."
"So we know they're imprisoned inside," said Arnold. "The government agents might find that interesting."
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"That's Travis's mother, Martha," said Belinda. "She helped me get through calculus..." Her voice broke.
"It's better if you just identify them," said Arnold. "Try not to bring up your memories."
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"Yes, of course," Belinda said with a sniff. "That's Mitchell's father, but he used to have more hair..."
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"...and Zoe's mother. But where are their spouses?"
"We don't know," said Arnold. "There could be some simple explanation like the camera ran out of film. Or maybe the TRC is trying to negotiate some concession by providing pictures of only half the group. I'm out of the loop on communication with them. The government agents want the photos back, but I can make copies for you if you think their children would like them."
Belinda hesitated. Would Gavin want to see his father with his ribs sticking out? And wouldn't everyone want to know where Mommy or Daddy was? Still, copies of the photos would be better than nothing. "Yes," she said. "Give me some copies."
