Was he hiding something dangerous?
Amelia slowly opened the box.
Inside were dozens of folded papers.
Drawings.
Letters.
Photographs.
I picked one up.
It was a drawing of three stick figures holding hands.
Underneath, in careful handwriting, were the words:
Me, Dad, and Mom.
My throat tightened.
“That’s… sweet,” I said cautiously.
Amelia looked at me with wet eyes.
“Look closer.”
I unfolded another paper.
This one wasn’t a drawing.
It was a letter.
The handwriting was clearly Leo’s — messy but determined.
Dear Mom,
Dad says you’re in heaven.
I hope you can see us.
Dad takes good care of me. He always tries really hard, even when he’s tired.
My vision blurred slightly.
I kept reading.
Sometimes I think he feels lonely, so I try to make him laugh.
I wish you could see him. You would be proud of him.
My hands trembled.
