WHY WAS I SENT THE LETTER?

The smartphone buzzed yet another text message. Her sister sent it showing she had just received a letter from England sent to Jennifer, and that there was a package waiting for her. They forwarded the other one to Susan. Susan pulled the last of the weeds and was heading back to the house when her sister came bursting through the backyard gate laughing and shouting. Why is she so happy? She could hear her babbling, her dialog giving only fragments, asking herself what is going on? Pacing and jumping, giddy as a child on Christmas morning. She noticed Jennifer wearing a light windbreaker, jeans, and a tee-shirt, pumping her fist in the air as she held mail from her attorney for her recent divorce a month prior. Walking over to the patio Jennifer sat on a wooden bench outside on the back porch, at her sister’s home, clutching the letter detailing how her life would change while Susan passed her entering the kitchen. 

Jennifer stared vacuously at the bird fountain standing in the garden amidst the many colorful blooms accenting the lawn and tugged her thin windbreaker tight around her slender frame to ward off the chill permeating the dawn air. Inattentive only to realize it dresses her so inappropriately for the morning. Reflecting on how different things were just a month ago. Contemplating her current situation, hearing the back door swing open, admitting her sister, Susan, out onto the porch. Approaching the bench where Jennifer sat, still wearing her warm blue fleece robe, hair in a ponytail and make-up free. Gazing out at the rising sun which spilling small rays of sunshine across the frosty grass in the yard. She held two steaming cups of coffee. Offering her the welcomed cup of hospitality.

“Here you go, Jen, nothing like fresh java to start the morning.” Susan gave her an affectionate smile.

Jennifer took the mug her sister offered, slow and deliberate sipping it. She closed her eyes to savor the kindness. “This is amazing,” she replied, holding it between both hands, willing the heat to warm her entire body. “Thanks, Suz, I needed coffee.”

“Here is the letter I mentioned you got from the firm. Saw you dancing. What’s up?”

“My divorce is final. No more nasty phone calls, emails or him begging me to take him back. I’m free of that jerk.” Her eyes sparkled. Her tone was bright.

“You’re never going to believe this, but I received a letter from England on behalf of Uncle Tom. I am required to read his will.” Reading the letter her sister gave her. Only two months have passed since they last spoke with him, and he had no children.

Jennifer didn't respond but stared out past the lawn, expecting a reply. Her smartphone, showing yet another text message. Typing a response, it vibrated again. She disliked the endless interruptions, and to pay for all those impersonal people-dividing tech toys, people think they can’t live without, knowing they will break as soon as the warranty runs out. Distraction was a common theme in her life, and her mind kept revisiting the events causing her current state of confusion.

Her emotions became a roller coaster of sadness, confusion and sometimes excitement at the mystery awaiting her. After a few moments of companionable silence, she glanced up at her sister and asked a question she knew she couldn’t answer but still felt compelled to ask.

“Why do you suppose I was sent the letter? I’m not certain if I should be excited or not. I don’t understand,” said Jennifer, feeling bewildered and uncertain. Susan was busy reading the letter she was sent. It was from their uncle Tom bequeathing his home in America to Susan. “Oh my God, it’s from Uncle Tom. He’s giving me his property.” The corner of her mouth quirked up. Glancing at her sister in her periphery. Seeing her staring thoughtfully, out past the lawn knowing from years of living with her, she is contemplating, reflecting a bit before she offers an answer. Susan is never hasty, always planning and thinking ahead, never quick to judge without considering the variables.

“My fear of flying is enough for me to not want to leave the US, while you have always dreamed of traveling to Europe,” said Susan.

“Well, congrats Susan. I’m happy for you.” Smiling. My sister never had much time for travel. After college she began her career and started a family. Susan was more of the stay at home quiet type who enjoyed being a mom and a wife. 

“Our family and friends have always known of your passion for European history Jen.”

“I’ve always wanted to travel to Europe.” Sipping her coffee. Her grin slowly faded, her eyes searching Jennifer’s face. “But I never could have left for such an important reason. We can’t always wait for the perfect timing.” Jennifer eyeing her cup of coffee.

“Well Jen, it makes sense our uncle would list you as his benefactor. I think he felt closer to you”, she stated with quiet objectivity and understanding. She paused and then continued.

“You always seemed to understand one another but I can’t offer any insight regarding the mysterious will, you are a bit of a Nancy Drew, especially when it came to finding lost treasure. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Glancing at her sister returning a sibling compliment. “You're pretty smart yourself Suz!”

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

Her smartphone lit up and showed yet another text message. She begins typing a text reply followed by listening to yet another voicemail message. Jennifer put her phone down, turning toward her sister.

“Perhaps, the lawyers will be able to offer more of an explanation.” As she thought about what Susan said, and the conclusions reached, realizing how right her sister can be. Ever insightful, she managed to answer her question with the simplest, most obvious explanation.

“I’m going to get on the computer and make flight reservations for you.”

“Flight reservations?” said Jennifer concerned. “Hey, Suz? Let me pay for it. It isn’t fair to you, I mean with the kids and everything.” She hated feeling like a burden to her sister since she had been living with them since her divorce. “Stop worrying. My husband and I are doing fine.” Placing her hand on her sister’s arm.

Jennifer’s smartphone showed an email message indicating her reservation for the next morning. “OK, kiddo, you’re all set.” Your plane goes through Chicago with a stop in New York before heading over the pond to England. Maybe this will be an easy thing for you, and it will all be over soon.”

Out of concern for her sister, she advised her to check for a contact number for the law firm and to call them to let them know she has flight reservations and would arrive the next morning. Per her sister's advice, Jennifer called the number in the letter. They advised her that a driver would be picking her up at the airport.

The next morning she showered and packed, partly excited and nervous about the whole thing. After getting dressed she glanced at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She slid her fingers over the necklace, gently fingering the surface of the ancient coin. It had been a gift from her uncle. He’d assured her that it was authentic, and not a replica from some tourist shops. “It will bring you luck. Wear it always,” he’d said. She missed him. Her uncle Tom gave it to her when she was a child.

She didn't have that many relatives scattered around the world. There was just herself, her sister, her mother and now this. What if she had relatives she'd never met?

The smell of fresh coffee filled the house as her sister entered the room handing her a package.

“Suz … thank you.” her cheeks blushed. “You’re always taking care of me.” Jennifer’s eyes began to water.

“Hey … don’t worry about it. You’re my sister.” Susan spoke slowly, her eyes giving away her concern.

“OK, Jen. Here you go.” Handing her the package, Jennifer—this came the day before yesterday. I mentioned it to you yesterday but I guess we got caught up in our conversation about the letters, and your trip.”

She opened the cylindrical shipping tube and pulled out a rolled document, string-tied and sealed with wax with the curiosity of a child eyeing a birthday present. She took a breath. “This is strange. Why would uncle Tom send me a document with a wax seal?” She raised a brow.

“I don’t know, but he always did like history.”

“I know it’s one of the things I loved about him.” Her eyes twinkled. Picking it up from the table holding the rolled-up and sealed parchment in her hand about to break the seal, when her sister stopped her.

“Wait, look at the seal. Not the kind most people use. It’s not his initials.” Turning toward the mirror her fingers found the coin around her neck.

“It’s the same image as the one on the coin,” she said, holding it near the wax seal.

Her eyes widened. “Oh wow, they are the same. What’s up with that?”

“I don’t know.” Curious herself.

“I’ll give you some privacy,” said Susan, padding for the door. “But I’d love to hear the scoop on what’s in the letter.”

Jennifer’s mind spun with questions as she broke the seal, and was slow to open the leather scroll lined with parchment paper. It was thick and rough as she smoothed the page out. Deep creases littered the surface. Sweeping black letters were written in calligraphy, not quite uniform lines, and a myriad of golden and scarlet clouds decorated the edge of the yellowing surface.

Dearest Jennifer, dated July 30

I miss you and wish we could spend time together like we used to. William died two months ago and he left his entire estate to me. Can you believe that? I was so shocked but I knew that he always trusted me. I’ve not been feeling well these past days while dealing with the affairs of the estate. This place is very special, Jennifer. There are many things you need to know. First, the staff here is terrific, you would like them. I have spent a lot of time thinking about my life, and yours. Right now I am trying to find a way to pay the taxes on this property, and am having a tough time with it. The property here is large and requires a small staff to maintain it. He told me of strange things like the legend of the Dagger. I couldn’t believe he would tell me all this but I guess he trusted me enough. I have so much to tell you. Wish you were here. You can trust the staff here except for...someone is coming. I have to go. Please come as soon as you can.

Love

Uncle Tom

Even more puzzled, Jennifer rolled up the parchment and put it into her carrying bag, and headed for the door. Standing on the front porch with her sister they say goodbye.

“Oh, and Jennifer,” Susan replied. “Is your passport up-to-date?” Her sister was always thinking ahead.

"My passport?" she replied, having forgotten to check it. "I'm glad you asked me that." Checking her carrying bag for the passport.  

"But is it current?" Jennifer checks the date.

"Yes, I renewed it only a few months ago before the divorce was final,'' said Jennifer with a somber look.

“Hey kiddo, that wasn’t your fault. Things will get better. So what was in the letter?” Eyebrows raised.

“Oh, uncle was just writing to me about his friend he met during the war. I should get going. I have a long trip ahead of me; I’ll call you when I get there, and Susan, thanks for always being there.” Quick to give Susan a hug, secretive about the letter.

“Of course, what are sisters for?” They hugged as Jennifer got into the cab to the airport.