August 9 2020
BORA BORA, NIGHT TWO
The stars shimmered outside the open windows, and the waves whispered quietly beyond the bungalow. AJ had just stepped out of the shower, her hair wrapped in a towel, when she spotted something sticking out from her side of the suitcase.
It wasn't hers. The envelope was old, the corners yellowing slightly. Her name was written on the front — **"Alejandra Liliana Sánchez"** — in her mother's handwriting.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Dave was already curled in bed, reading quietly. He looked up when he saw her freeze.
Dave - What's wrong?
AJ - It's from my mom
she said quietly.
AJ - abuela must've slipped it in my bag.
She sat slowly on the edge of the bed, hands trembling just a little. Dave set his book aside and moved closer, silent but grounded beside her.
She opened it.
---
THE LETTER
The paper was soft, almost delicate. The words were written in blue ink, careful and steady.
> *"Mija,*
> *If you're reading this, it means your life has moved forward. That alone means the world to me. I hope you're surrounded by love. Not just the kind that sweeps you off your feet, but the kind that stays, that shows up, that sees all your sharp edges and loves you deeper for them.
You've always been so strong. Even when you didn't want to be. And I know life hasn't been fair to you — not with how young you were when we left you. Not with the pressure you carried. But I believe with every part of me that you would find your way to happiness.
If he's beside you, and you trust him with your life and your son... then I know you chose right. I hope he protects you, but more than that — I hope he *understands* you.
Don't forget your softness, Adriana. You were born to be more than just steel.*
I love you always — more than words, more than time.*
— Mamá*"
AJ didn't realize she was crying until Dave gently took the letter from her hands and pulled her against him.
---
AFTER
They didn't speak for a while.
She leaned into him as the waves rolled below them. Eventually, she whispered:
Aj - She would've loved us.
Dave kissed the top of her head.
Dave - She birth a daughter who made me a better man. I already love her back.
She closed her eyes.
There were no ghosts in this room tonight.
Only love.
