Page 14 of Dawn of Hope
“Light always finds a way, even through the blackest woods.”
I couldn’t tell you how many times in my life I have heard Edmond utter that phrase, but this time, it doesn’t comfort me like it usually does. I realize now that while I always thought it was encouraging, it was actually pushing me to feel hopeful, and I don’t feel hopeful today. All of this talk makes me want to get as far away from hope and emotions as I can. I want to shut down and feel nothing, do nothing.
Maybe I need to find Brynne today after all and just work it out. I’m sure she would be delighted.
“Can we just move on, Edmond?” I say. I don’t want to tell him I didn’t enjoy his story, especially because the memory of telling it to his son seems important to him. I don’t want to bring any more negativity into this conversation, or tarnish Edmond’s memory about his son.
“Oh, we’re done for the day,” he says calmly.
I stare at him, skeptical. “We barely just started. What am I missing?”
“Not missing anything. I simply think we have discussed enough lessons for the morning. There is a lot to think about here.”
“Alright…” I trail off, twiddling my fingers together uncomfortably.
“But I have something for you.” He reaches into his coat and pulls out a small leather-bound book. It looks very used, the corners are not sharp, and the leather has divots and nicks.
“What is it?” I ask. Edmond leans over, placing the book in my outstretched hand.
“Something I felt you should have had a long time ago. But, nevertheless, you should at least have it now.”
“I don’t understand,” I say, running my fingers over the binding. This book is a lot smaller than most we have used for lessons. I reach to pull open the cover, but Edmond stops me.
“I would recommend reading it when you are alone.” He leans forward, pushing on the arms of his chair until he is standing in front of me. “But I would recommend reading it, Lennox, no matter how difficult it may be.”
I stare after him, at a loss for words as he strides to the door. He gives me a brief nod before opening the door and slipping through it, leaving me in the silence of the empty library.
CHAPTER FIVE
The click of the latch reverberates through the room as Edmond leaves me alone with only my thoughts and this book. What could possibly be inside that I need to be alone to read?
I scan the outside, looking for some kind of clue as nervousness overtakes me. I am slightly afraid to open it. Once I do, there is no coming back from whatever is inside. From the way Edmond acted, it seems really important.
I carefully peel back the cover and scan the first page.
Nothing.
Blank.
No clues to be seen. My fingers flutter over the corner of the first page, sliding behind it, ready to turn.
Curiosity overcomes my nerves and I flip it rapidly, eyes scanning to find the text. My eyes snag on the writing at the top of the page.
“My DearestDaughter…”
The words begin to blur as I slam the book closed. The loud slap echoes off the walls and hits my ringing ears.
Daughter.
My dearest. Daughter.
Who wrote this?
What kind of joke is Edmond playing? No, Edmond would never play this kind of trick on me. This has to be real, and the thought sends my mind spiraling.
There is no way this could be from my father, so that leaves only one person…
My mother.