My heart starts racing. This is it. This is exactly what my grandmother’s stories described. Proof that this site was sacred, significant, devoted to love and devotion.
“We need to document everything before we open it,” Georgia says, already pulling out her camera. “Every angle, every detail. Omar, get the lighting equipment. Yasmin, start on the preliminary sketches. Tariq, I need you to?—”
“We need to announce this,” I interrupt, grinning wide.
Everyone turns to look at me.
“This is a major discovery,” I continue. “Potentially the most significant find in the region in decades. We should alert the press, reach out toNational Geographic, get this documented properly by international media.”
Georgia blinks. “Calvin, we haven’t even opened it yet. We don’t know what’s inside.”
“We know enough. An intact lovers’ tomb at a temple site. That alone is headline news.”
“Well, yes… but we need to study it first. Document it properly. Understand the full context before we make any announcements.”
“Why? The existence of the tomb is the story. People need to know what we’ve found.”
“People need to know when we have the complete picture,” Georgia says, and I can hear the strain in her voice. “When we can tell the whole story. Not just sensational headlines about ‘ancient lovers,’ but the real significance. Who they were, what this place meant, how it fits into the broader understanding of the culture.”
“That could take months.”
“That’s how archaeology works, Calvin. You know that.”
I do know that. But standing here, looking at this incredible discovery—proof that my grandmother was right, that her stories were real, that this project was worth every dollar and every moment—I want the world to know.Now.
“We can release preliminary findings,” I argue. “Announce the discovery, share images, generate interest.”
“This isn’t about getting buzz going.” Georgia stands up, and there’s steel in her voice. “This is about respecting what we’ve found. These were real people, Calvin. They loved each other enough to be buried together, and someone cared enough to create this beautiful tomb for them. They deserve more than being a headline.”
“I’m not suggesting we disrespect them?—”
“Yes, you are. You want to turn them into a spectacle before we even know their story.” She stares at me, and I stare back.
The team has gone very quiet. Omar is carefully not looking at either of us. Yasmin has suddenly become fascinated by her sketch pad.
“A spectacle?” I feel my temper rising. “This is about sharing an important discovery. About proving that this site matters. About?—”
“About your grandmother,” Georgia says quietly. “About proving your father wrong. About validating your investment. I get it, Calvin. I do. But that’s not a good enough reason to rush this.”
Heat fills my face. “Don’t psychoanalyze me.”Especially not in front of the team,I think but don’t add.
“Then don’t treat this site like a business opportunity.” Her eyes flash. “This is sacred ground. These people trusted their remains to eternity, and we’re privileged to uncover them. The least we can do is take the time to understand and honor them properly.”
“I’m not dishonoring anyone by wanting to share what we’ve found!”
“You want to share it for the wrong reasons!”
We’re almost shouting now, standing on opposite sides of the excavation, the beautiful tomb between us like a chasm. Ella whines in my arms, and I put her down. She toddles over to Fatima, who crouches down and wraps her arms around her.
“The wrong reasons?” I repeat, my voice dangerously quiet. “I want to share it because it’s important. Because discoveries like this should be celebrated. Because?—”
“Because you want your father to see it,” Georgia interrupts. “You want him to see the headlines and the international coverage and finally prove him wrong.”
The accuracy of the accusation takes my breath away. “That’s not?—”
“It is. And Calvin, I understand. I really do. But using this discovery, using these people’s remains to prove something to your father? That’s wrong.”
“I’m not using anyone.” But even as I say it, I know she’s hit too close to the truth. “I’m trying to give this discovery the recognition it deserves.”
