Chapter 5 — The Invitation
Spring arrived with warm sunshine and blooming flowers.
Life had become wonderfully ordinary.
Mia was seven now.
Noah had just celebrated his ninth birthday.
One afternoon, Thomas opened the mailbox and found an ivory envelope.
The handwriting on the front was unmistakable.
Sharon.
He stared at it for several seconds before carrying it inside.
Emma looked up from the kitchen.
"You don't have to open it."
Thomas nodded.
"I know."
But he did.
Inside was a single handwritten letter.
Thomas,
I have had a long year to think.
I lost my son because I refused to love my granddaughter.
There isn't a day I don't regret Christmas.
I know I don't deserve forgiveness.
But if Mia ever wants to know why her grandmother disappeared, tell her the truth.
Tell her I chose pride over love.
And that it cost me everything.
—Mom
Thomas quietly folded the letter.
He didn't cry.
Some wounds had healed.
Others had simply become scars.
Emma walked beside him.
"What will you do?"
Thomas looked toward the backyard, where Noah was helping Mia learn to ride her bicycle.
"I'll keep the letter."
"But I won't reopen the door."
"Not because I hate her."
"Because my first responsibility is protecting my children."
May you like
Emma gently squeezed his hand.
"And that's exactly why they're safe."
