Chapter 2

"Sue, can you explain why you came here for a vacation? Didn't you check the tide times beforehand?" The young officer in front of me asked, his tone serious.

"The beach holds our deepest memories," I replied between sobs.

"I had checked before planning the trip and the forecast showed no high tide today, so I chose the beach as our last stop..."

"Here, take this." The officer handed me a tissue, hesitating slightly before continuing, "Has your husband been acting unusually lately?"

"Recently..." My mind pictured Trevor's increasingly gaunt face. "I don't know what's been troubling him, but he's been irritable over trivial things."

There was no real suspicion against me. The insurance policy did not show any accidental coverage for Trevor, and colleagues and friends could attest to our harmonious relationship. Finding nothing, the police let me go home.

"Sue, let's go." Emma looked upset, probably frightened as well, but she hugged me, resting her chin on my collarbone.

"It will pass." I had once said the same to Emma.

Back then, she had been suffering from depression, locking herself at home and unreachable. I went to her place only to find the door securely locked. Unable to kick it open, I had to call a locksmith. Unable to wait any longer, I ran downstairs, climbed up the drainpipe to her window. Emma was about to hang herself, but seeing me outside the window, she immediately opened it and pulled me in.

"Are you crazy?"

"Good thing you're only on the third floor." I hugged her, my chin resting on her collarbone.

"Whatever happens, it will pass."

Suddenly, a downpour began as Emma and I waited for the bus. The young officer who had interrogated me came running out, handing me an umbrella.

"Ms. Arnold, let's exchange numbers. I'll contact you if there is any progress on the case."

I nodded weakly, probably exhausted from crying, and fell asleep in a daze as soon as I boarded the bus.