A week later, Maria called again.
“Daniel left behind a small storage locker. He didn’t have much, but… there’s something you should see.”
I drove two hours to get there.
The locker was barely the size of a closet. Inside were two boxes, a few books, and a duffel bag. The same duffel he’d carried the day I turned him away.
Inside the bag was a notebook.
I sat on the cold concrete floor and opened it.
August 18th
She didn’t let me stay. I get it. She just lost Dad. I probably looked like a walking reminder.
September 3rd
Got a job cleaning offices at night. Not glamorous, but steady. I’m saving up for a small place.
December 25th
First Christmas without Dad. I left a flower outside the old house. I hope she’s okay.
March 22nd
Passed my GED. Thought about mailing her. Didn’t want to intrude.
July 9th
Got promoted to supervisor. Sometimes I imagine Dad being proud of me. That thought keeps me going.
October 4th
She’s probably moved on. She deserves peace. But I wish I could’ve said goodbye.
