Chapter 23 - The Unopened Letter**
The morning post arrived at 9:00 AM on a bright May morning.
Among the stack of corporate reports and utility bills was a thick linen envelope bearing a simple wax seal from a law firm in Boston.
Julian opened it inside his quiet study, pulling out a single sheet of handwritten parchment and a small brass key.
The letter was written in Clara’s crisp, elegant cursive handwriting.
*“Julian,”* the letter read.
*“If you are reading this, I have officially retired from federal service and moved far away from the East Coast.”*
*“I do not expect your forgiveness for the secrets I kept about your mother, but there is one final duty I must fulfill as her friend.”*
Julian turned the page, his heart beating rhythmically against his ribs.
*“The brass key attached to this letter opens a safety deposit box at the First National Bank on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.”*
*“Inside, you will find your mother’s personal diary from 1998.”*
May you like
*“Read the entry from August 12th before you judge your father’s memory.”*
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