The letter contained small details that did not resemble a romantic confession: a child’s drawing, trouble finding a stamp, a reference to a treatment appointment, thanks for money that had helped with everyday needs.

That did not prove everything about the relationship.

People could write misleading letters.

I knew that possibility existed.

But I could not ignore what the actual page said merely because it failed to confirm the first story I had imagined.

I opened another envelope.

There were more references to Timothy.

A school activity.