Page 11 of Resurrection
“Yeah, Im. But we’ve never been here before. I feel like Jason Bourne. Like, what’s even in it?”
It hadn’t seemed overly heavy when the woman slid it out and carried it, but it definitely appeared to have some weight to it.
“The only way to find out is to open it.”
“You do it,” Jury said. “My hands are shaking.”
“Okay. Here goes.”
She flipped open the metal lid on its hinges, and they both stared inside. A black velvet box waited within.
“Good grief. No wonder she married this guy. He sure makes life interesting.”
Imogen needed both hands to slide the velvet box free. Jury moved the metal box to the floor and took another deep breath.
“You ready?” Imogen asked her.
“I have no idea.”
Imogen went for it and removed the velvet lid. Inside was an envelope with their names written in Keira’s handwriting.
Imogen grabbed it and flipped it over. It was sealed with gold wax, embossed with a fleur-de-lis.
Keira was nothing if not extra. Orhad been.
“Open it. I’m dying here.”
Imogen’s gaze lifted to her sister’s.
“Okay, poor choice of words. Sorry.”
She slid a finger under the flap, and the seal peeled free. Imogen swallowed as she removed the letter and unfolded it.
It was handwritten, also in Keira’s handwriting.
“Read it out loud,” Jury whispered.
Dear Imogen and Jury,
If you’re reading this, know that I am sorry for the grief you are feeling right now. It is unavoidable, unfortunately.
I knew what I was doing when I married my husband. I knew I was stepping outside of the world the three of us knew and entering a different dimension of reality. It’s hard to explain, but please know he has given me more joy, love, and happiness than I ever knew was possible.
I love you both so much, even though we’ve grown apart over the years as we have marched to the beat of our own drums and forged our own paths through life. I wish I could say more, but more than anything, I wish to keep you safe. Your world isn’t my world anymore. I’m sorry it had to be this way, but every choice has consequences, and marrying my husband has taken me down a very different path, one you will never understand because you haven’t walked in my shoes.
Please forgive me for not being a better sister.
I love you both. Be well, my sisters. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Love always,
Keira
“What the fuck does that even mean?” Jury said, snatching the letter from Imogen to read it herself.
“It means … she loved us. That’s all that matters.”
While Jury was reading the letter, Imogen peered into the box. There was a stack of smaller velvet boxes, and she opened the first one.
