Madame Clarabelle Fitzgerald's Arc

Chapter 3 of 4

Clara stood in front of the town hall and studied the bulletin board mounted on its outer wall. Notices overlapped each other—work requests, sale announcements, and meeting times all pinned in layers. She pulled out the family name from her notebook and read it again. The board was full, but people checked it every day. She could post her own notice here—ask if anyone knew the family or remembered a girl adopted fifteen years ago. Clara unpinned an old work request and made space in the center. She pulled a fresh paper from her bag and wrote in clear letters: "Searching for information about the Thornton family, moved from Gritstown fifteen years ago." Below that, she added: "Any details appreciated." She pinned it to the board and stepped back. Her message sat right in the middle where everyone would see it. A weathered wooden sign leaned against the wall near the steps. Black and white photos of children covered its surface, their faces faded but still visible. Clara walked closer and read the word "Missing" painted across the top. The sign showed other searches, other families looking for children who'd disappeared. Her chest tightened. These people understood what it felt like to need answers. Clara touched the edge of the sign and then looked back at the bulletin board. This town had places for people to search and ask questions. The photo booth made copies. The records office kept files. The orphanage held ledgers. And here, in the center of town, anyone could post a notice and wait for help. Clara adjusted her shawl and walked down the steps. Gritstown might be dusty and worn, but it gave her tools to keep searching. Someone would see her notice. Someone would remember the Thornton family. She just had to keep asking.