Chapter 3: The Secret Thomas Left Behind
Chapter 3: The Secret Thomas Left Behind
Two weeks later, Marion received a phone call from the attorney who had handled Thomas's estate.
"There is something your husband asked me to give you after your seventieth birthday."
She frowned.
"After my birthday?"
"Yes. He was very specific."
The following afternoon, she drove to his office.
The lawyer placed a sealed envelope on the desk.
Thomas's handwriting covered the front.
For Marion. Open only after your seventieth birthday.
Her hands trembled.
Inside was a handwritten letter.
My beautiful Marion,
If you're reading this, then I wasn't lucky enough to grow old beside you.
I'm sorry.
There's one thing I need you to remember.
You have spent your entire life taking care of everyone else.
Promise me that after seventy...
You will finally take care of yourself.
I've also left you one last surprise.
Not because you need money.
Because I know you'll never spend it on yourself otherwise.
The attorney will explain everything.
And one more thing...
If our children forget how to love you, don't spend another minute trying to earn their attention.
Love cannot be begged for.
It must be freely given.
Go live the life we always talked about.
See Italy.
Walk through little towns.
Drink coffee without checking the time.
Laugh again.
I'll be waiting for your stories someday.
Forever yours,
Thomas
Marion couldn't stop crying.
When she finally looked up, the attorney smiled warmly.
"Your husband quietly purchased several investments over twenty years."
"They've grown considerably."
He slid another folder toward her.
Marion stared at the number.
Nearly six million dollars.
She covered her mouth.
Thomas had never mentioned it.
"He wanted you to be completely free," the attorney said softly.
"No obligations."
"No guilt."
"No pressure."
"Just freedom."
For the first time since Thomas died...
Marion felt something she hadn't felt in years.
Possibility.
That evening, instead of calling her children, she booked a three-week trip to Italy.
May you like
It was the first ticket she had ever purchased for herself alone.
She smiled as she clicked Confirm Purchase.
