Miki breathed into the enormous wave of emotion that had taken hold of her, knowing she was about to discover what she had always wanted to know. She lifted the letter again and read:

Dear Mikaela,

I am your grandmother, though you may not know of me.

I have no idea what your parents told you about me, but I have always wanted to meet you, and I hope one day you will read this letter. I was close to your mother until she met your father, and then everything changed. She separated herself from the family and I’ve had little contact since. As a young woman, she developed her own set of standards and principles, and she thought the way your grandfather and I lived was too materialistic. So she turned away from us, and dedicated her life to her husband and her faith. This was very sad for me, but I have respected her choice and kept my distance, despite questioning the wisdom of this many times. It feels like I have had no other option.

As a parent, you want to help your children, even if they reject you, so I have assisted the only way I could—by making financial contributions to your upbringing. Sadly, I lost your grandfather from a heart attack when he was forty-two, but we were fortunate in our careers, and this has enabled me to continue to provide for you. Your mother never declined money. I’m sure she wanted what was best for you, and I’m happy I could help.

When your parents died, Kurt informed me that he was taking over your guardianship, and that you did not wish to meet me. I’ve never known if this was true, so I have decided to keep making payments in the hope that some of the money will find its way to you, or at least make your life more comfortable.

I have also set aside a lump sum for your education. It troubled me that your mother didn’t pursue further study once she converted to your father’s religion. But I’ve always believed education is important and liberating for girls, and I’ve long sensed your upbringing might make access to higher education difficult.

If you do receive this letter, Mikaela, I want you to know that I would like to get to know you—on your own terms of course. I would make no demands.

With much love,

From your grandmother,

Brenda Jones