Ava’s Fall, Zach’s Fracture

Zach set the photo aside and found the letter next, folded neatly, sealed with a delicate gold wax stamp marked by a hummingbird. He broke the seal with care, unfolding the soft ivory paper. Her handwriting flowed in delicate, elegant strokes.

•••

My Zachary,

If you're reading this, then they failed to bury everything.

I don't know how much you'll remember, or if you'll even believe this, but I had to leave something behind—just in case.

Shen promised me this project would change lives. He promised you would be safe.

But promises from men like him come with consequences. I couldn't stop what happened to us. But I never stopped loving you.

—O

•••

Beneath the letter, more folded documents. He opened them slowly.