Finally he turned to us, a suspicious smile on his face. “Pappas family, there’s something I need to tell you. Or, rather, something I need to give you.” He reached into his coat pocket and came out with a small envelope, which he passed to my mother. “Another letter?” she said. It trembled in her hand. He nodded. “From your aunt Athena. It was written several days before she passed away. I’ve carried it for months, waiting for the right moment.” “You’re just now giving it to me?” “Yes. I was given specific instructions about how and when to share it with you. I’m sorry about that, but I had to follow those instructions. You will understand shortly.” Wow. Talk about getting my curiosity up. This was better than any suspense novel. Mama gently opened the envelope, her hands still shaking. She pulled out the letter and unfolded it.
