*”Dear Dako,
They told me not to write… but I remember what’s real. I remember your shovel, the way Benny waited, and Micah’s drawing in my mailbox. Paul and Alexa tried to remove everything, but I left this.
Benny is at the local shelter. I hope you’ll bring him. And for Micah—there’s a small trust, a reminder that kindness matters.
With love,
Lois”*
I read it twice before moving. I didn’t cry, not yet—but my heart leapt knowing she was okay.
“Lois is okay, honey,” I told Micah.
“And Benny?”
“He’s at a shelter, waiting for us.”
We went to pick him up. Benny barked softly when he saw us, tail wagging furiously. Micah laughed and hugged him.
“And neither did she forget us,” I whispered.
A week later, we visited Lois at the care home. Micah carried muffins and sunflowers. Lois smiled slowly, blanket over her lap.
“Benny,” she whispered as he padded to her. “I was hoping you’d bring him.”
“These are from both of us,” Micah said, offering the flowers.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” she said.
I knelt beside her. “Of course we came.”
She held my hand gently. “Take care of each other,” she said.
Outside, snow began falling again. Benny led the way, and Micah held my hand. I finally felt peace.
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