Dear Estelle,
If you’re reading this, I’m gone where you can’t follow—not yet, anyway. I hope these words give you comfort. I’m sorry for what my kids are putting you through. They don’t get what we had, and maybe they never will.
In this locker, you’ll find things I kept for you. Things I couldn’t give you directly because family stuff gets messy. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I wanted to keep you out of any fights while I was here.
I love you more than words can say.
Always yours, Alaric
Tears blurred my eyes as I folded the letter and put it back in its envelope. I wiped my face and kept going through the boxes. In another, I found jewelry—a pearl necklace, diamond earrings, and a gold bracelet carved with Always Mine. These must’ve belonged to Alaric’s first wife, but he’d saved them all these years to give to me.
Then I opened the wooden chest. Inside was a thick envelope labeled Papers, plus a small velvet pouch. When I opened the pouch, I gasped. Inside was a diamond ring that shined even in the dim light.
Curious, I opened the envelope and pulled out the papers. They were deeds to properties—three vacation homes in different states—and bank statements with accounts in my name. Each account had enough money to change my life.
Alaric hadn’t left me behind. He’d planned for my future, knowing how his kids might act. For the first time since he passed, I felt a bit of hope.
Over the next few weeks, I moved into one of the vacation homes—a cozy cabin in the Colorado mountains. It was calm, quiet, and just what I needed to heal. I spent my days hiking, reading, and going through the memories Alaric left me.
One afternoon, while unpacking another box, I found a final letter tucked under some old books. It was short but full of meaning.
Estelle,
You might wonder why I hid these gifts instead of giving them to you straight. I worried my kids would fight anything I gave you openly. By keeping it secret, I made sure you’d have something to fall back on after I was gone. You deserve happiness, safety, and peace. Don’t let anyone take those from you—not even my own kids.
Live well, love deeply, and know you were, and always will be, my greatest joy.
With all my heart, Alaric
Reading his words, I realized something big: Alaric didn’t just give me money or homes; he gave me freedom to start fresh. To build a new life without anger or regrets.
Months passed, and I started to thrive. I volunteered at a local animal shelter, picked up painting again (a hobby I’d dropped during Alaric’s illness), and made friends with a neighbor named Marisol, whose warm laugh reminded me of better days.
One evening, as Marisol and I sat on the porch sipping tea, she asked about my past. I paused before sharing parts of my story—the love, the loss, the betrayal, and finally, the comeback.
“That Alaric sounds like an amazing man,” Marisol said thoughtfully. “Not many would plan ahead like that.”
“He was one of a kind,” I said, smiling softly. “And he taught me something important: Real love isn’t just about the good times. It’s about making sure the other person is okay, even when you’re not there.”
Marisol nodded. “Sounds like he gave you more than just things. He gave you a new start.”
“Yeah,” I agreed. “And I’m going to make the most of it.”
Looking back, I see Alaric’s legacy wasn’t just the houses or money. It was the lessons he left—in showing me strength, gratitude, and how to find purpose beyond pain.
To anyone reading this, here’s a reminder: Life can be unpredictable and sometimes feels unfair. But every challenge holds a chance—to grow, to learn, and to come back stronger. Don’t let anger eat you up. Focus on what matters: love, kindness, and the people who truly care about you.