Miriam stepped out of the airport shuttle, inhaling deeply. The salty air of The Bahamas filled her lungs, which was a welcome change from the stuffy plane cabin.

At sixty-five, this vacation was long overdue. Five years of grief had taken their toll on Miriam, etching lines around her eyes and mouth that hadn’t been there before.

The Ocean Club Resort rose before her. Its gleaming structure promised nothing but relaxation and escape, so Miriam allowed herself a small smile as she followed a bellhop into the lobby.

The marble floors echoed with the chatter of excited tourists and the clinking of luggage carts, and Miriam stared at all their happy faces, hoping she would end up feeling just like them.

“Welcome to The Ocean Club, ma’am. May I have your name for check-in?” The receptionist’s cheerful voice snapped Miriam out of her thoughts.

“Leary. Miriam,” she replied, fishing for her ID from her purse.

As the receptionist tapped away at the computer, Miriam’s gaze wandered. That’s when she saw them.

Time seemed to stop.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Standing by the gift shop, examining a display of colorful seashells, were two people who couldn’t possibly be there. Her daughter, Pamela, and son-in-law, Frank.

But they were dead. Killed in a car crash five years ago… Or so she thought.

“Ma’am? Your room key,” the receptionist’s voice sounded distant.

Miriam’s hand shot out, grabbing the key without looking, while her eyes never left the couple as they turned away from the gift shop and headed for the exit.

“Hold my bags,” Miriam barked, already moving. “I’ll be right back.”

She hustled across the lobby, struggling with her breath. She was really out of shape, and the couple was almost at the door.

“Pamela!” Miriam called out. Even her own ears heard the desperation.

The woman turned, and her eyes widened in shock. It was unmistakably Pamela!

Suddenly, she grabbed her husband’s arm and whispered something urgently. Frank looked back, and Miriam saw his face transform into a mask of panic.

Without any more warning, they bolted.

Miriam’s heart raced as she followed them out into the bright sunlight.

“Stop right there!” she yelled, her voice carrying across the palm-lined driveway. “Or I’ll call the police!”

The threat worked.

The couple froze, and their shoulders slumped in defeat. Slowly, they turned to face her.

Pamela’s eyes brimmed with tears, but Miriam had no idea why. Was Pamela crying because of guilt, because of the lie, or because of something else?

“Mom,” her daughter whispered. “We can explain.”

***

Pamela and Frank’s hotel room door clicked shut behind them, sealing off the cheerful vacation atmosphere outside. Inside, the air felt heavy, charged with the past five years of Miriam’s mourning and her current anger.