In the era before color photography, black-and-white images of loved ones served as a poignant connection to the past. Hung on living room walls, these portraits evoked a sense of presence despite the absence of their subjects. Through conversations and family gatherings, the stories behind the faces emerged, breathing life into the images. With each Christmas whitewash, photos were removed, cleaned, and repositioned, offering a fresh perspective on the past and a glimpse into the lives of those gone by. The ticking of an old clock amidst the portraits echoed the passage of time, a gentle reminder that memories endure even as life moves forward.