Chapter 4 - The Unopened Envelope
Back in the quiet hospital room, Clara sat beside Elena’s bed, gently wiping away the dry tracks of tears from her sister’s cheeks. Elena’s breathing had steadied, but the hollow void behind her eyes remained unchanged. "You don't have to face this alone," Clara murmured, tucking a stray blonde lock behind Elena's ear. "We will pack up your things while he’s away. You can stay with me in Oregon."
Elena pressed her palm flat against her stomach. There was no visible swell yet, but knowing two tiny lives flickered inside her brought a mixture of fierce protective instinct and bitter sorrow. "I loved him so much, Clara. Five years... and he turned into someone I can’t even recognize."
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"He was always good at hiding his shadows," Clara whispered gently, handing her a warm cup of herbal tea. "Drink this. You need your strength." Elena took a sip, but her eyes wandered to the bedside drawer where the nurse had placed her personal belongings recovered from the ambulance.
Among her keys and wallet lay a thick manila envelope, sealed with red wax. Elena frowned, reaching for it with trembling fingers. "What is this? This wasn't in my purse." Clara glanced at it, confusion wrinkling her brow. "The paramedic handed it over with your medical card. He said a woman dropped it into your coat pocket when they wheeled you onto the gurney." Elena broke the wax seal, her breath catching as the contents slid onto her lap.
