Liam's eyes locked onto Emily's, his mind racing with possibilities. "What truth?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Emily's gaze didn't waver. "Grandma says it's about our family's past. About the secrets we've kept hidden."
Liam's heart pounded in his chest. What secrets could be so important?
Suddenly, Alexandra entered the room, her expression concerned. "What's going on?"
Liam filled her in on the discovery in the attic and Emily's words. Alexandra's face paled.
"It's time," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"Time for what?" Liam asked, his curiosity piqued.
Alexandra took a deep breath. "Our family's past... it's complicated. There are things we haven't told you, Liam."
Liam's mind reeled. What secrets was his family keeping?
Alexandra's eyes filled with tears as she began to speak. "You see, Liam, our family's past is marked by tragedy and loss. Your grandmother... she made a choice that changed everything."
Liam's mind was racing. What choice could his grandmother have made that had such a profound impact?
"What choice?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alexandra hesitated, collecting her thoughts. "Your grandmother was involved with someone... someone who wasn't good for her. She had to leave, for her own safety and for ours."
Liam's eyes widened as he pieced together the fragments. "The man in the photograph?" he asked.
Alexandra nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, that's him. His name was Marcus. He was... troubled."
Liam felt a mix of emotions: shock, curiosity, and a deep sadness.
Liam's mind reeled as he processed the revelation. "What happened to Marcus?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Alexandra's expression turned somber. "He disappeared after Grandmother left. We never heard from him again."
Liam's eyes narrowed. "Do you think Grandmother knew more about what happened to him?"
Alexandra hesitated before speaking. "I think she might have. But she never told us."
Suddenly, Emily spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Grandma says she's sorry."
Liam and Alexandra exchanged a glance, unsure what to make of Emily's words.
Liam's eyes locked onto Emily's, his mind racing with questions. "What do you mean, Emily? What is Grandma sorry for?"
Emily's gaze didn't waver. "Grandma says she's sorry for the pain she caused. For the secrets she kept."
Alexandra's expression softened. "Oh, sweetie, I think we're starting to understand."
Liam's thoughts swirled. What secrets had Grandmother kept? And what pain had she caused?
As they pondered, the room fell silent. Then, Emily spoke up again.
"Grandma says it's time to make things right."
Liam's curiosity spiked. "Make things right? How?"
Emily's smile was enigmatic. "Grandma will show us."