Inside were names of community agencies, a draft request for rental assistance, and a letter to Aunt Helen that he had written but never mailed.

“Why didn’t you send it?”

“Because I kept thinking I’d fix everything before anyone knew.”

Helen looked at him for a long moment.

“You don’t need to earn help by suffering first.”

Andrew turned toward the window.

“I know that now.”

Back at the rental house, Natalie found the envelope exactly where he said.