Chapter 16: Unveiling the Truth

The next day dragged on slower than ever. Every class felt like an eternity, and even Avery noticed how distracted Noah was.

"You good?" she whispered during history, nudging him with her elbow.

"Yeah," Noah muttered, though his bouncing knee and constant glances at the clock said otherwise.

She raised an eyebrow. "Liar."

Noah sighed. "I just… I have a meeting after school. Something important."

Avery studied him for a moment, then nodded. "If you need backup, I got you."

He smiled at that, appreciating the thought, but this was something he had to do alone.

By the time he reached Grace Chapel, his heart was pounding. The late afternoon sun filtered through the stained-glass windows, painting colorful patterns on the floor as he stepped inside.

Pastor Grace was already waiting in her office, a gentle smile on her face. "Noah. Come in."

He hesitated only for a second before walking in and closing the door behind him.

The pastor gestured to the chair across from her desk. "I take it you're here about the letter?"

Noah swallowed and pulled the fragile envelope from his pocket, placing it on the desk. "Did you know my dad left this?"

She picked up the letter carefully, her expression unreadable as she read over the words. When she finished, she sighed and set it down.

"I had my suspicions," she admitted. "Your father… he was searching for something. Something more than what this town could see."

Noah frowned. "What do you mean?"

Pastor Grace leaned forward slightly. "Your dad believed that God was leading him to something hidden—a truth, a purpose. He never told me exactly what it was, but he was sure of one thing: it wasn't meant to stay buried forever."

Noah's fingers tightened around his jeans. "Then why didn't anyone ever tell me?"

Her expression softened. "Because after your parents' accident, people thought it was best to let it go. To not reopen old wounds."

Old wounds… But this wasn't just about grief anymore. His dad had left him a message—one he was never supposed to find.

Noah took a deep breath. "Then I guess it's time I start looking."

Pastor Grace nodded, her eyes shining with quiet encouragement. "And you won't be doing it alone, Noah."

For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.