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T
Who was T?It was obviously the first letter of the man’s name, but that could be anything. Timothy. Tom. Ted. Toby. My grandfather’s name was Arthur. I was both mesmerized and intrigued and couldn’t help but reach inside the box for another letter. The date in the top corner of the note was almost sixty-five years ago. My grandmother didn’t marry my grandfather until a few years after that. This next letter was a little different.
My dearest Rachel,
As I sit here on my boat, surrounded by the vast and unpredictable sea, my thoughts keep returning to you. Your radiant smile, your sparkling eyes, the way your hair catches the sun’s rays—all of it is etched in my mind. I can think of nothing else but you.
But our love, my darling, is like the sea itself—wild, powerful, and often unforgiving. Your parents have made their disapproval of me clear, and we both know that we cannot openly declare our love for one another. Our relationship must remain a secret, hidden away like a precious pearl within its shell.
Yet even in the face of such adversity, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of hope. The sea teaches us to be resilient, to weather any storm that comes our way. Just as I have learned to navigate the tumultuous waters, so too will we find a way to be together, come what may.
I dream of the day and pray for it to come swiftly.
Yours always,
T
My heart hurtat the thought of my grandmother being in love with a man she couldn’t have. But if she had stayed with T, then she wouldn’t have met my grandfather and had my mother. Things tended to work out the way they were supposed to, but I couldn’t help but wonder what my grandmother went through when she was younger. She never spoke a word about another man to me other than my grandfather.
Why didn’t she tell me?
I rummaged through the box, all the letters holding secrets that had stayed buried for decades. I read them until the room dimmed with the setting sun. The last letter I read was the one that shattered me. I could only imagine what it did to my grandmother.
My dearest Rachel,
I write to you with a heavy heart, knowing that this letter may be the last time we communicate. I cannot stop thinking about you and the life we could have had together if only things were different.
I still remember the day we met by the sea, the sun shining down on us and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. You were so beautiful, standing there with your hair blowing in the wind. I knew from that moment that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.
But now, your parents have put a stop to our love. They do not understand the connection we share, the bond that draws us to each other. I wish I could make them see we are meant to be together.
I am writing this letter to ask for one last meeting with you. I know it may be dangerous for us to see each other again, but I cannot let you go without saying goodbye.
Meet me by the sea, where we first met.
Yours always,
T
Tears streamed downmy face as I folded the paper and gently set it back into the box with the others. I wanted to know what happened. Why did my great-grandparents not approve of this man?
Releasing a shaky breath, I closed the box and placed it beside my grandmother’s jewelry box on her dresser.
“Is that why you always pushed me not to let Jensen go?” I whispered, wishing my grandmother could answer me.
The room was silent, but I could hear the waves crashing just off the shore. I wanted to believe my grandfather was her one true love, but what if he wasn’t? What if T was?
I walked over to the window and peered out at the darkening sky.
“So many secrets,” I said, my voice low.
I glanced over my shoulder at the hole in the floor. I had a strange feeling that the box of letters was just the beginning.
14
JENSEN
“Would you like another beer?” the waitress asked, knowing very well I always drank three when it was Tuesday night at The Beachcomber restaurant.
