If there’s one thing I hope you hold onto, it’s that you were always my safe return.
Yours, always, W.”
Tears blurred my vision. For a brief moment, anger flared—anger that he had never shared this part of himself with me. But then I heard his voice in those words, steady and sincere, and the anger slowly softened.
Paul cleared his throat. “There is another note, Edith. For Elena’s family.”
“Read it, Grandma,” Toby said gently.
My hands trembled as I unfolded the second paper.
“To Elena’s family, This ring was entrusted to me during a terrible time.
She asked me to return it to her husband, Anton, if he was found. I searched.
I’m so sorry I couldn’t keep my promise. I want you to know she never gave up hope. She waited for him with courage I have never seen before or since.
I have kept this ring safe all my life, out of respect for their love and sacrifice.
Walter.”
Toby placed a hand on my shoulder. “Grandma, maybe he just couldn’t let it go.”
I nodded slowly. “He carried more than I ever knew.”
Paul spoke softly. “He never forgot.”
