Chapter 14: A Letter to the Future
That night, after Lily fell asleep, Victor sat at Catherine’s small wooden desk near the window. He pulled out a clean sheet of paper and a fountain pen.
He decided to write a letter of his own—not to the courts, and not to his mother, but to Lily for when she grew up.
My Dearest Lily,
When you read this years from now, I hope you are sitting in the sunshine, feeling as safe and loved as you are today. Life tested us early, but it also showed us what truly matters.
Your mother left us a gift far greater than any fortune. She showed us that love isn't something you buy or demand—it is something you give freely, even when the world is dark. Never let fear or pride build walls around your heart. Build bridges, build a home, and always choose kindness.
May you like
With all my love,
Dad.
He folded the letter neatly, placing it inside a wooden memory box alongside Catherine’s letters, the plain white envelope, and the small pine crib carving.
