A Stranger Left an Envelope Beside My Bed on My Sixty-Second Birthday—Then I Found His Photograph with My Son

She did not touch it.

“Would you like me to call the manager?”

“Yes, please.”

While we waited, I explained that I thought Daniel had been staying in room 312.

Martha said she couldn’t give me another guest’s private details.

I was embarrassed enough already, and for a moment I heard that as another dismissal.

Then she added, “But we can keep the relevant records and have the manager speak with you.”

The manager took my account seriously.