He pointed to a sealed envelope resting beside the charter.
My Emily,
I lost your mother. I could not survive losing you too, so I held you at a distance and prayed it would make you strong.
I pressed my palm to my mouth.
I watched over you all your life, and Linda helped me. She kept my secret because she loved me, and because she loved you.
The next line cracked me open.
I wasn’t good at saying I loved you. So I built something that would keep taking care of you long after I was gone.
I watched over you all your life.
I sat on the cold floor and cried until the light outside dimmed.
***
Weeks later, I stood in the office of the first store. Her framed photograph hung above the desk.
I touched the glass. “I love you too, Grandma. I always did.”
