“He wasn’t perfect,” she said.

“But he learned that keeping something secret to protect your pride isn’t the same as protecting your family.”

I thought of Spencer explaining that he hadn’t talked to me because he knew I would refuse.

He had described my independence as an obstacle, not a part of me to respect.

My father’s story didn’t erase any of that.

It simply reminded me that people can disagree without trying to take away each other’s choices.

When Martha opened the drawer for the letter, I was ready to receive it.