…and there, in her familiar, shaky handwriting, was a letter that changed everything.
“My Dearest Elena,” it began. I could almost hear her voice, gentle yet firm. “If you’re reading this, it means I’m gone, and things may not be as they should be. I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me over the years. You’ve been more than just a daughter-in-law to me; you’ve been my anchor and my confidante.”
There was a pause as I drew a slow breath, absorbing her words. The chill of the motel room seemed to fade slightly, replaced by a warmth that came from knowing someone had seen me, truly seen me.
