But it gave them something they had not had since the storm.
A reason to ask questions again.
A reason to look closer.
A reason to wonder whether the people who were supposed to provide answers had actually left some things unanswered.
The mother held the paper carefully, almost afraid that touching it too much would make the moment disappear.
Lucy leaned closer, waiting for her mother to continue reading.
Together, they reached the part of the message where Ben explained why he had hidden the note inside that teddy bear instead of leaving it with his other belongings.
That detail changed the meaning of everything.
Because Ben was not simply leaving behind a memory.
