I watched my daughter-in-law toss a suitcase into the lake. But I heard a muffled sound coming from inside. I raced to pull it out and forced the zipper open… and my heart stopped. What I saw inside made me tremble in horror.

I saw my daughter-in-law throw a leather suitcase into the lake and drive away. I ran over and heard a muffled sound from inside. “Please, don’t let it be what I think it is,” I whispered, my hands trembling. I dragged the suitcase out, forced the zipper open, and my heart stopped.

Let me explain how a quiet October afternoon turned into the most terrifying scene I have ever witnessed.

It was 5:15 p.m. I was on the porch of the house where I raised Lewis, my only son, the house that felt too big since I buried him six months ago.