She opened a cabinet and removed a cardboard box.
Inside were photos, postcards, and letters.
Then she lifted a sealed envelope.
My mother’s name was written across the front.
“Grandma asked me to keep this.”
Inside were photos.
“Why?”
“She said if Victoria ever came, I should give it to her.”
I stared at the envelope. “Was your grandmother angry with my mother?”
Rebecca looked confused. “Why would she be?”
I didn’t answer.
“Grandma talked about Victoria like someone she’d lost,” Rebecca continued. “Not someone she hated.”
Rebecca looked confused.
I thanked her and left.
But I couldn’t stop thinking about the letter.
***
When I returned, Mom was sitting on our balcony. “Where have you been?”
I decided to be honest. “I went back to the hotel.”
Her face drained of color. “Michael?!”
