Sterling Estate (discontinued for reconstruction)

Chapter 3: Letters and Clue

 Thinking about all the possible places Grandmas Jose could have hidden her writings. Something catches the corner of her eye, it was an old trunk at the foot of her bed. It intrigued her though questions would really be that easy. Proving that she had the right to question, seeing that it had a lock. "Of course you wouldn't make it easy Jose," she sighs, getting up to look for the key. Checking every draw and the closet but to no avail. Her grandmother is known to be good at hiding things. Taking a moment to think again where she could have hidden the key. Taking a glance over to the wall of books to get an idea.

Scanning through all the books that had anything to do with keys and trunks. Finding it tucked between the pages tied to a small ribbon. The book with a title so ironic is 'The trunk key.' Though from what she's seen scanning through the book looked like a thriller. Evealyn wonders if it's any indication about what's in the trunk. Feeling goosebumps crawl over her skin just thinking about it. Taking her mind off of it feeling proud she's still able to read her grandmother like a book. Excitedly walking over to the trunk opening it. Soley intent on looking for her writings. Opening the chest all she finds is old clothing folded up, having an aged smell to them like opening an old book. Some pictures that had gotten discolored with time. 

What intrigued her the most was a small antique locket that's engraved to look like a clock. Evealyn finds it rather charming. Even though the hands don't move it's like she can hear the faint sounds of ticking. Believing that her mind is playing tricks on her again. Placing it aside, focusing back on her main goal for rifling through the trunk. Seeing something tucked away between the velvet lining, suspecting that she might have found them. Taking them into her hands, finding that they are some envelopes. All having been torn open, but what really mattered to her was the contents inside.

Curiously pulls one out and begins to read. Starting to choke up as her eyes swim across each line. Figuring out that it was a letter she had sent to her grandmother 4 months ago. Clouded with emotions as this was the last letter she sent to her. Wishing for her to be well, Evealyn never thought seeing that letter again would make her want to cry. It being as this was the only form of communication she had with her grandmother. Despite all the insistence from her parents not to have any form of contact with her. Evealyn never got to understand why, she was the one who took care of her until they decided to take her back into their lives.

Believing that despite their constant pressure, she couldn't couldn't cut her grandmother off. Evealyn had asked why they wanted her to forget her grandmother and the estate. Yet they would always avoid the question and act like it was something taboo to talk about. Seeing as they were withholding answers from her she would turn to her grandmother through letters for answers. Disappointed when her grandmother would respond that she can't tell her anything yet. One day, they all thought she forgot about it and never brought it up again. 

Evealyn, hadn't forgotten.

Deciding that it was best she'd stop searching for answers from them. Waiting for the day she came back to the Estate and talk to her grandmother face to face. Now, feeling that she waited too long and should have done so earlier. Grandmother Jose being gone along with all her long awaited answers. "It seems Jose really meant it when she said she'll take all her secrets to the grave." Figuring might as well continue looking through the other's. One by one they each cause her to cycle through emotions,more than the moon with the passing tide. 

Taking out the last one believing that it would be like the others. Pausing when she reads over the first few words. 

"Dear Eve,

Gone were the days, gone are the days when you were running around, climbing trees. Oh how your cheeks would puff up like a little squirrel. Now, you have plenty more to climb and touch the stars. Though I do hope, you haven't grown out of your love for climbing. As my little squirrel, wouldn't be much of a squirrel without her climbing.