Six Vintage Dresses Left in a Cedar Trunk on Oak Street

fixed on the floor as he struggled to find a grip on the old wood. “I have to follow the order.”

I smoothed my skirt with both hands, trying to anchor myself to the floor as the two men hoisted the trunk between them.

The brass handles groaned under the weight, a sound that seemed to fill the empty house.

“Is there a signed release form we can file to continue reading …