The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 127: Sam's New Year

New Year’s Day.  It was the start of a new year and Sam sat in the Steers' back parlor.  Now his back parlor. He looked at the empty chair next to him and remembered the first time he and Bon had peeked through the curtains to see Ari, Rose, Xavier, and Mrs. Steers looking like they were in trances.  He remembered the first time Mrs. Steers brought him here.  They went to London and spent the day sight-seeing.  He got to see the real Jack the Ripper. Sam had been exposed to the madness of Dr. Herkeimer. And got to see his first orbs.  Now he understood.  And now Mrs. Steers was gone.  He missed her.

Sam thought back to his brief visit with his Dad's spirit in London.  He wondered if Mrs. Steers and his Dad were talking about him right now.  And if Albert was there, too.  Sam then thought of something he hadn't before.  Mrs. Steers didn't really seem that upset over Albert's death. 

"Wouldn't she have..."  Sam spoke aloud, squinting his eyes as if he was trying to figure out a hard math problem.  "Why wasn't she that upset?  Where are they buried?  They must be somewhere.  Rose will know."

Leaning forward, Sam caught sight of a plain white envelope.  At first, he didn't recognize it then remembered it was the one that it was the other one that came with his to-do list from Mrs. Steers.  He didn't, however, remember leaving it on the table in the back parlor.

"Hmmm... I forgot all about that.  I thought I had left it…" Shrugging it off, Sam opened it and pulled out a letter-sized paper.  At the top, in Mrs. Steers handwriting was a note.

Sam, read this. It may give you some insight into Dr. Herkeimer's life.  You've been able to deal with your pain of loss, but some people find it very difficult.  I think Dr. Herkeimer couldn't deal with his very well.   When you get a chance, go back and watch the real scene, it will make even more sense. Regards, Mrs. Steers.

It was a photocopy of an obituary from an old newspaper.

Young Life Taken Too Soon.  Little Sissy Herkeimer, daughter of Myrna Herkeimer died after a fall at their seaside residence. The whole community is saddened by this news and send their sympathy to the family.  The oldest son, Selwyn Herkeimer, is still missing at sea.   Overcome with deep grief over his sister's death, he sailed out into the ocean despite the impending storm.  Pieces of the small rowboat washed ashore, however the boy's body is yet to be found.  Mrs. Herkeimer and her other son, Ullwyn, are faring well despite their loss and will be returning to the city soon where Sissy will be buried in the family plot next to her father.

Sam sank deep into the chair, almost ready to cry.  He thought about earlier in the week how he had yelled at Mrs. Steers, telling her to stay away. He stared at her empty chair.  Even though they had made up and he understood now, he felt regret and missed her.

"Sam, " Rose whispered.  "Are you deep in thought?"

Sam smiled up at Rose who was peeking over the left side of the chair. "What are you doing here?"

"I stopped by to see you, silly boy," said Rose.  "You're the little brother I never had."

Rose sat down in Mrs. Steers' chair.   At first, Sam almost stopped her.  He didn’t want just anyone to sit in Mrs. Steers’ chair. But Sam could see that she filled Mrs. Steers’ seat perfectly.

"What about a new adventure?   You still know the incantations, don't you?"  Rose rubbed his arm.   "I am here.  I love to travel.  I understand you have a long list of places to see? Many adventures that you want to take.  You even have a to-do list."

"Yes," said Sam.  "But how did you know?"

Rose relaxed back in the chair, rubbing the arms.  "Guess?   You were the topic of many a conversation I had with someone."

"Mrs. Steers?"

Rose nodded.  "Come on, Sam.  What do you say?  Let's go somewhere."

Sam sat up, took a deep breath, and thought.  First, he looked at the obituary, then shook his head and continued to think.  "Well...  I do want to see several things.  I'm just not sure what to pick."

After a few moments of staring into space, Sam leaned forward, grabbing Rose's arm.

"OK.  Hang on.  We're on our way to see..."

The End

Or is it....