Special Feature: Q&A with Liz Mitchel

Q1: 'My Bar' seems to be such a huge part of your life.

What does it mean to you?

Liz: "It means... it's complicated. On one hand, it's home. It was my parents' dream. Now, it's how my dad and I keep things afloat for my brothers. But it's also a constant reminder. Her picture is still behind the bar, you know? Sometimes the noise feels normal. Other times, I feel like I'm the only one who can still feel the silence that started here seven years ago. It’s a job, it's a memory, it's a cage. It’s everything."

Q2: You have two younger brothers, Colton and Martin.

What's your relationship like with them?

Liz: "I’d do anything for them. They were only seven when Mom... when she disappeared. I remember them coming downstairs that morning in their superhero pajamas asking if she was making pancakes. I feel like I've spent the last seven years trying to make sure their world doesn't feel as broken as mine did in that moment. I try to keep things normal for them. I have to."

Q3: If you could have one question answered about your mother's disappearance, what would it be?

Liz: "Just... where? Where did she go? Her purse, her keys, her phone, it was all right there. People don't just vanish into thin air from their own home. It doesn't make sense. I've spent years replaying that morning, trying to find one clue, one thing that was out of place besides... everything. So, yeah. Not even 'why' yet. Just 'where?'"