Spotlight: The Blue Trunk by Ann E. Lowry
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Rachel Jackson’s idyllic life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a woman’s scarf in her politician husband’s computer bag. But in an election year, seeking answers to questions of infidelity is not an option. When her mother gives her a family heirloom, a travel trunk owned by an ancestor, she finds a distraction. As she immerses herself in its contents, she discovers a woman whose life is vastly different from her own. Or is it? Determined to dispel the notion that her ancestor Marit was insane, Rachel sets out to unveil her hidden story. In the interwoven narratives of these two women, who are bound by blood and a shared struggle, "The Blue Trunk" is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and unwavering strength.
Excerpt
With each passing day, Marit’s anxiety decreased. This was partly because she went to the deck every night and saw Aiden.
“That one is Venus. It’s named after the goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure,” he said as they looked at the stars one evening.
He pointed his finger to the planet that had a reddish tint. Marit leaned in and gave a little laugh when she saw it.
Aiden moved his finger and said, “And there’s Mars. Mars is the god of drive, ambition, and energy. I consider myself a bit of a Mars personality. I’ve always been more driven than my brothers. When I want something, I usually get it.”
Marit laughed again. “Are you a bit conceited, Aiden? Or are you just very accomplished?”
“Accomplished!” he said, grabbing onto his suspenders as he inhaled and pushed out his chest.
In addition to stargazing, they talked about books and hopes, their families and favorite childhood games. Marit told him about Paul, how much she cared for him, and how he’d died suddenly, but not about the details of his death. Aiden told her about the death of his parents and the adventures of his siblings who live in Scotland.
Being with Aiden stirred something in Marit—warm feelings she couldn’t describe. While there were boys in her school who were fine enough, she supposed, they bored her, and she’d never found them romantically attractive. Aiden was different. She wanted to be close to him, to lean into him, and perhaps even kiss him. She knew it was unlikely to happen and she knew that she would not see him again after the journey ended, but that did not discourage the urge. And she sensed that he felt the same.
The night before they were to arrive in Quebec, Aiden met Marit again on her nightly walk.
“Hello, Marit. Tomorrow, we arrive. Are you ready to be an American?”
“I don’t know. I’ve always been a Norwegian and I don’t even know what it means to be an American. And Ingrid says there’s a process I’ll have to go through before I can become a citizen.”
“Yes, there is, but I’m sure you will do well.”
Aiden pointed to the sky and said, “It’s a beautiful night for stargazing. Have you noticed the constellation Gemini tonight? It’s quite brilliant.”
“I’ve never known where to look for it before. Show me, please.”
He stood behind her and she could feel the warmth of his body as he only briefly touched her back. He put his hand over her shoulder and pointed out to the night sky.
“There are two bright stars that will help you find Gemini. Over there is Castor,” he said as he touched her hand and moved her pointer finger in the direction of a star. “And over there is Pollux.” He moved her hand to the right. “And there is the V-shape of Taurus and the three stars from Orion’s Belt. Do you see that?”
He paused so she could focus.
“Can you see Gemini now? The twins?”
Marit nodded her head even though she wasn’t sure she did. She was either unable to imagine it or she was too distracted by the way he touched her. She cautiously leaned into him.
“Sometimes the moon moves through Gemini, but you must stay up all night to see it. It will come from the west of Castor and Pollux and then move to the east of them, right through Gemini.”
“How do you know all of this?” Marit asked Aiden.
“I studied astronomy and Greek mythology in school.”
“Well, Aiden, you’re accomplished. What’s the story behind Gemini?”
“Castor was the mortal son of King Tyndarus and Pollux was the immortal son of Zeus. They were identical and inseparable. See how they move together in the sky?”
Marit nodded her head.
“Castor was a great horseman and Pollux was a great fighter. But Castor was killed in battle and so Pollux pleaded with Zeus to bring him back. Zeus agreed to make Castor immortal, but they needed to spend half their time on Earth and half their time amongst the heavens. So when sailors see Castor and Pollux together, they know that they will have a safe journey. If they see only one of the two, bad luck is likely.”
“I’m glad we’re seeing both!” Marit said.
“Aye,” he responded. “Marit, are you Castor or Pollux?”
Marit looked confused.
“Horseman or fighter?”
Marit thought. “I guess a bit of both.”
“It will be interesting to see what America brings out in you,” said Aiden.
“Yes,” she said.
He leaned toward her, but before he could kiss her, she leaned in and kissed him.
“Fighter,” she said.
He smiled.
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About the Author
Ann E. Lowry's journey into the realm of storytelling was foretold by a Sedona psychic in 2001. That prophecy became a reality two decades later when Ann discovered a family heirloom, a travel trunk from Norway, which sparked the genesis of her debut novel, “The Blue Trunk.” A writer her entire life, Ann holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Minnesota. Her career has been dedicated to teaching and helping others navigate communication and resolve conflicts. Ann is fascinated by the dynamics of relationships, discord, and the intricacies of the human condition. Ann successfully completed the Loft Literary Center’s Novel Writing Intensive course in 2022.
When Ann isn’t immersed in the world of writing, she finds solace in the pool or the lake. She cherishes playful moments with her rescue-turned-therapy dog, Loki, and also enjoys reading, golfing, and indulging in the art of cookie and bread baking. Fly fishing is her newest hobby. Most of all, she savors precious time with her family. Learn more about Ann at: www.annlowry.com
