Inside was one of Elizabeth’s final letters.
“Mary, if you ever read this, remember that I always wanted your life to be defined by something other than our family’s fears. You deserve peace, love, and freedom.”
I cried.
That day, I realized that we might never find answers to every question about the past.
But I finally knew why Robert had entered our bookstore for the first time.
I also understood one important difference.
His first visit had been arranged.
But the life we built afterward hadn’t been.
No one had forced him to love me, raise our children, or make coffee for me every morning for 53 years.
I told him:
“Robert, I’m still angry that you kept silent for so many years. But I want us to have no more secrets for the years we have left.”
He kissed my hand.
“I promise.”
Now I keep Elizabeth’s letter beside our wedding photograph.