While putting away a stack of sweaters, I noticed a cardboard box on the closet shelf. My handwriting was on the side. Ethan’s winter things. I’d forgotten it existed.

Inside were gloves, a scarf, and the navy sweater Sophie used to borrow on cold Sundays. Beneath them lay an envelope, in her handwriting.

For Ethan, only if I lose courage.

My hands went cold. I stood there holding it while rain began tapping the window. Every decent part of me knew I should put it back. Every frightened part wanted answers before Sophie could decide I’d forfeited the right to hear them.

In the end I carried the envelope to the kitchen and set it beside her medical folder. Unopened. Then I sat beside it like both a guard and a thief.

When Sophie woke near dusk, she noticed it immediately. Color rose in her face. “Where did you find that?”