My Father Called My Grandmother’s Passbook Useless Until The Truth Came Out

were not steady.

Three pages of yellow legal paper. Blue pen. The date at the top was six months before she died.

Dear Leah, she had written. If you’re reading this, then I’m gone. And you did what I asked. You kept the book. I knew you would. I knew because you’re the only one who ever kept showing up.

I had to stop.

I kept reading.

I’m sorry I couldn’t continue reading …