Chapter 6 - The Unfolding Letter
Outside the visiting center, Bennett sat with Toby on a wooden bench overlooking the valley. Toby handed Bennett the folded piece of paper his mother had given him before she passed away months earlier—a letter that had remained unread until now.
Bennett unfolded the crisp paper carefully. The handwriting was neat and deliberate:
"To whoever helps my son find his way:
Jax left because he was afraid of his own past. He believed his presence would bring danger to us. But fear is a terrible ruler. If you are reading this, please remind Jax that forgiveness is always stronger than guilt. Toby deserves to know where he comes from, not to carry my grief or Jax’s regret."
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Toby looked up at Bennett as the wind stirred the trees around them. "Did my mom hate him?"
"No, Toby," Bennett answered gently, folding the paper back up and handing it to the boy. "She loved him enough to hope he would find his way back to being the man he was supposed to be."
