Emily Opened an Old Storage Box Filled With Family Files — Then Grandpa Arthur Recognized Victoria’s Signature on the Document She Never Wanted Them to See
Chapter 2 — The Names Arthur Hadn’t Heard in Years
Arthur read the sheet again.
The handwriting above Victoria’s signature was clear.
All correspondence from the listed family members is to be held in storage until further instruction. Do not place with Arthur’s regular mail.
Below it:
Victoria Hale.
Arthur looked toward her.
“Why would you sign this?”
Victoria took a breath.
“It was temporary.”
Emily stared.
Arthur did too.
“Temporary?”
“After Eleanor died.”
Eleanor had been Arthur’s wife.
Emily’s grandmother.
She had died nine years earlier.
For months afterward, the family had been emotionally exhausted.
Visitors came constantly.
Cards arrived.
Phone calls filled the house.
Everyone had opinions about what Arthur should do next.
Victoria had stepped in to help.
At least that was the story Emily knew.
She organized meals.
Answered the door.
Sorted mail.
Helped Arthur get through the worst months of grief.
Arthur looked at the list again.
“Samuel is on here.”
Samuel was Arthur’s younger brother.
The brothers had not spoken properly in years.
Arthur had always said:
“Samuel stopped calling.”
Now Samuel’s name appeared beside:
HOLD ALL LETTERS.
Arthur continued reading.
“Rebecca.”
Samuel’s daughter.
STORE CARDS WITH SAMUEL FILE.
“Thomas.”
An old cousin who used to spend every Thanksgiving with the family.
DO NOT FORWARD INVITATIONS.
Arthur looked up.
“You told me these people had stopped reaching out.”
Victoria’s voice became defensive.
“Some of them did eventually.”
“Eventually?”
Arthur pointed toward the page.
“That isn’t what I’m asking.”
Emily reached into the box.
There were dozens of envelopes.
Some had never been opened.
She picked up one addressed in faded blue ink.
Arthur Hale.
The return address belonged to Samuel.
The postmark was eight years old.
Arthur stared at it.
“He wrote to me?”
Victoria said nothing.
Emily looked deeper into the box.
There was not one letter from Samuel.
There were eleven.
