Alex struggled up the narrow path before collapsing against the old trailer’s side. He sighed as he poked at a rust spot that was peeking out from beneath a peeling paint curl.
He needed to fix the trailer, but the salary of a janitor didn’t leave much money for savings. To escape the chill, he shook his head and turned toward the interior, but he stayed put when he noticed a package on his doorstep.
He hoped it wasn’t a joke because recent events in life had not been kind.
With each step, he cautiously approached the grass.
The package was just brown paper wrapped in twine and was plain. Despite not being unusual, it appeared out of place.
He picked it up on his knees, feeling surprised by how light it was for its size. There was no address for return.
He gnawed at his curiosity.
While making a quick dinner, he took the package in and set it on the table.
Alex tore open the paper by snipping at the twine in between sips of instant noodles. He put the last of his meal aside to open the cardboard flaps, but he was still wary of the package.
He was nearly out of breath by what he found inside. On a letter, his father’s handwriting was immediately recognizable.
The worn, familiar fabric of his father’s previous jacket lay beneath it.
a piece of history and home.
He carefully unfolded the letter before sinking into the shaky chair. Dear Alex, I was aware that your brother would place business and money ahead of family, leaving you with nothing.
Consequently, I instructed my attorney to deliver this jacket and letter to you following my passing. You have always valued family and treasured our shared experiences.
Our bond is symbolized by this jacket, which is filled with happy memories.
Keep in mind, my son, that you are incredibly strong and have a beautiful soul.
Your brother will succeed on his own. Believe in your goodness and self-worth.
Son, I adore you so much. I sincerely believe that Dad Tears obstructed his vision.
An overwhelming wave of emotions overcame him as he held the letter close to his chest.
It was all too much, his father’s love and faith in him.
His voice broke as he whispered, “Damn it, Dad. ” Why did you need to leave?
He still carried fresh wounds in his heart from his father’s death just two short months earlier and Dylan’s subsequent betrayal. Dylan, who had always been a businessman, had evicted Alex without giving Alex a second thought and quickly claimed the family estate for himself.
Alex had nowhere else to go but the trailer, which their family had used on numerous cross-country road trips.
It wasn’t too bad to live here.
It brought back fond memories of spending long summer evenings by the campfire, hearing his father tell tales about their ancestors, and hearing the laughter echo through the forest. The weight of those memories and the stark contrast to his current reality made Alex’s heart ache.
He was left with only the trailer, a reminder of simpler times when the family was complete and there was a lot of love. The familiar odor of his father hitting him with a punch hit him as he picked up the jacket.
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