Now the bundle was under our bed, and I could no longer pretend I had not seen it.

I raised the mattress again, shifted it securely enough to free my hand, and worked at the tape.

It resisted.

I pulled harder until the package came loose with a tearing sound and dropped into my palm.

I put the mattress back and carried the bundle to the lamp.

“It’s probably nothing.”

Emergency cash.

A forgotten gift.