One year later the repairs stopped.

Walter’s letter said he had asked for records and received excuses.

A contractor named Samuel Pike told him that checks had bounced.

Walter feared donations meant for vulnerable families had disappeared.

The note did not accuse my father outright.

It listed receipts, questions, and people who could explain what happened.

The final paragraph addressed me.

Joanna, I wanted you to have the house because you know that duty is what we do for people when nobody is watching.