Chapter 3: The Boxes That Were Never Opened
Chapter 3: The Boxes That Were Never Opened
The following morning, Daniel entered the garage to unpack the gifts he had mailed home during the past three years.
Several shipping boxes were stacked neatly against the wall.
Still sealed.
He stared at them in disbelief.
Each box was labeled with Sophie's name.
Inside were books she had asked for.
Warm winter coats.
Art supplies.
A bicycle helmet.
Letters he had written every month.
None had ever reached her.
Daniel opened another box.
At the bottom lay a notebook.
Sophie's handwriting filled every page.
Dear Dad,
Mom says you're too busy to call.
She says I shouldn't bother you with my problems.
I hope you're eating enough.
Daniel's hands trembled.
He found dozens of unanswered letters Sophie had written but never mailed.
When he confronted Linda, she lowered her eyes.
"I didn't want her depending on you."
"You were always gone."
Daniel answered quietly.
May you like
"I was gone to give her a better life."
"Not to take her father away."
