"Hi."
Richard couldn’t speak. He cried without a sound.
After a while, Richard picked up the velvet pouch.
"This was your great-grandmother’s ring. It’s yours."
"The treasure," Ellie whispered.
He cried without a sound.
"Yes."
"It stays safe until she’s older," I said.
"Of course."
Richard handed me an envelope.
"I’ve arranged a trust fund for Ellie’s education. It’s Claire’s share of her mother’s money. I should’ve done it years ago."
"The treasure."
I looked at him.
"I still don’t understand you."
"I know."
"But I’ll bring Ellie on Sundays. For her sake."
He nodded, his eyes filling.
That night, Ellie held the ring box up to the lamp.
"I still don’t understand you."
"Grandma, was the treasure from Mama?"
"In a way, sweetheart."
She smiled.
"I think she wanted me to find it."
We’ve been back to see Richard every Sunday since. And her aunt and uncle.