A Lucky Find

Still coming to terms with a recent breakup and with the sudden death of her mother, a young woman goes home to reconnect with her father where she uncovers a troubling secret from his past.

      They began climbing the small hill leading up to their gravel driveway.  Hand painted birds adorned the mailboxes out front.  A local newspaper wrapped in plastic protruded from the opening, and the red handle on top was raised.  From the curb, Dad reached inside the mailbox and retrieved bills.  He inched up the driveway and shut off the engine.  Natalie wanted to stay inside the car.  She liked the sound of ice pellets striking the windshield and hood. Natalie glanced up at the two story Cape Cod structure.  This was the only home she’d known, never having moved until college.  Natalie loved this stability and abhorred upheaval, any loss she had no control over, including Mom’s fatal auto accident a year ago.