Chapter 2 - Michael's Box
Graduation ended in chaos.
Videos of Aaron spread online before Laura even reached the parking lot.
Some mocked him.
Others defended him.
Aaron cared about none of it.
He cornered his mother beside their car.
“Who was Rebecca?”
Laura looked around.
“We're not doing this here.”
“You told everyone that dress was buried with someone.”
“I panicked.”
“Was it Dad's?”
The question stopped her.
Aaron had found the dress inside a box belonging to Michael.
After Michael's fatal heart attack, Aaron spent months going through his father's belongings.
Most were ordinary.
Receipts.
Photographs.
Military medals from Michael's father.
Then Aaron discovered a locked cedar box hidden behind insulation in the garage.
Inside:
The red dress.
A silver bracelet.
A newspaper clipping from June 2006.
And an envelope.
FOR AARON — AFTER GRADUATION.
Michael had written it shortly before his death.
Aaron showed Laura the letter.
She had never seen it.
Aaron unfolded it.
Son,
If you're reading this, I didn't get the chance to tell you myself.
There is something your mother and I should have told you years ago.
The red dress belonged to someone who saved your life before you were born.
I failed her.
Your mother tried to forget her.
Neither of us succeeded.
If Laura still refuses to tell you after graduation, wear the dress.
She'll recognize it.
So will the people who need to.
Laura stared at Michael's handwriting.
“You knew Dad wanted me to wear it?”
“No.”
Aaron's anger faltered.
“Then who did you think I promised?”
“I thought…”
She stopped.
“Who?”
Laura looked toward the auditorium.
Daniel Calloway was standing outside.
Watching them.
“I thought Rebecca asked you.”
Aaron stared.
“Rebecca's dead.”
“Yes.”
“Then how could she ask me?”
Laura's face crumpled.
“Because three weeks ago, I got a letter too.”
She opened her purse.
Inside was an envelope.
No return address.
One sentence:
WHEN AARON FINDS THE RED DRESS, LET HIM WEAR IT.
Signed:
R.
Aaron whispered:
“You thought it was Rebecca?”
Laura nodded.
“That's why I begged you not to wear it.”
“You weren't protecting me from embarrassment.”
“No.”
“What were you protecting me from?”
Laura looked again toward Daniel.
“Someone recognizing that dress.”
Aaron followed her gaze.
Principal Calloway immediately turned away.
Then Brent came running from the auditorium.
He grabbed Aaron.
“My dad is leaving.”
“So?”
“He shouldn't be.”
“Why?”
Brent pulled out his phone.
On the screen was a photograph.
Daniel Calloway.
Much younger.
Standing beside Michael.
Beside Laura.
And beside a smiling seventeen-year-old girl wearing Aaron's red dress.
Rebecca.
Aaron stared.
Then he noticed something.
Rebecca had her arm around Laura.
Their faces looked astonishingly similar.
“Mom…”
Laura closed her eyes.
Aaron whispered:
“Was Rebecca your sister?”
Laura answered:
“No.”
May you like
A pause.
“She was my daughter.”
