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“Have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Amber!”
She turned quickly, looking startled. For a brief moment her expression twitched, then settled back into a friendly look.
“Oh, honey! I missed the sound of you coming in.”
“The door was unlocked. I brought your favorites. From Lucy and me.”
She took the bouquet directly from my hands.
“Where is Lucy? She is supposed to be here.”
“She is working back-to-back shifts and could not get away. She sends her love and promised she will make it up to you.”
“Well… okay. Have a seat. Your dad is going to be back shortly, and the quiche is almost ready.”
“Actually, may I use the restroom first?”
“Of course, sweetie. You know where it is.”
I walked down the hallway slowly, acting as if my heart was not breaking. I passed the bathroom door. I kept going.
A long time ago, Amber had declared the hallway closet strictly off-limits. She claimed she stored her private things inside, yet I guessed that would be exactly where I might find Mom’s letters.
I gently pulled the closet door open.
It was packed with Amber’s belongings — mostly older designer jackets and expensive purses.
Right on the floor, three stacked shoeboxes caught my eye.
My heart pounded as I dropped to my knees.
I lifted the lid of the first box.
It was jammed with envelopes addressed to Lucy and me.
I picked up one envelope. It was still sealed and bore a postmark from twelve years ago.
A second one. Still sealed.
A third one, though this one was open. It was a birthday card.
Have a wonderful birthday, my gorgeous kids! I pray to meet you both again shortly.
With affection, Mom.
A small sound escaped my mouth before I could stop it.
“Stella? Sweetie, is everything all right down the hall?” Amber called.
“Yes! Just give me one moment!”
I searched faster. The postmarks moved forward through the years.
Then I found the prize — a paper envelope near the top with a brand-new stamp.
Only nine days old.
“Oh my goodness,” I whispered.
“Stella?”
Amber’s heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway.
I shoved the letters into my bag, into my coat, into the waistband of my pants — anywhere they would fit.
“Stella, what in the world are you—”
Amber stopped right at the closet doorway.
Her face shifted through three expressions in a single heartbeat. Confusion. Realization. Then something far colder than anything I had ever seen from her.
“Return those items immediately, or I will make sure your dad never speaks to you or your sister for the rest of your lives.”
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