Chapter 2: The Name at the Bottom
My hands were shaking as I lifted the note from the box.
The name at the bottom stopped me cold.
It was Sophie's father.
A man I hadn't spoken to in over four years.
A man who had walked away before Sophie was even diagnosed.
A man Sophie had never once asked about — because I think, somehow, she already knew he wasn't coming back.
Inside the box was a small envelope, a tiny seashell necklace, and a folded piece of paper with Sophie's name written on the front in handwriting I still recognized.
Sophie reached up and touched the necklace gently.
"Mama…
is this for me?"
I couldn't answer her.
My throat had closed completely.
I looked at the hotel manager.
"How long ago did he contact you?" I asked.
He hesitated.
"Several months ago, ma'am.
He was very specific.
He said it had to be given to you on the first day.
Not before."
Several months ago.
That meant he had known about this trip before I had even booked it.
I felt the floor shift beneath me.
I unfolded Sophie's note with trembling fingers — and the first line made me press my hand hard against my mouth.
He knew something about Sophie that I didn't.
---
What was written in that note — and how did he know?
The truth is more heartbreaking than anyone expected.
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