Seven Years Later
The sun was just beginning to rise as Zayden stood outside with Elio and Liora, both now bright, curious seven-year-olds. The garden was quiet except for the birds. Beneath a large oak tree rested the small metal time capsule Elena had buried eight years ago—right after the twins were born.
Zayden's hands trembled as he dug it up with Elio's help. Liora clung to his arm, eyes wide with anticipation.
When the capsule finally cracked open, it revealed two envelopes and a velvet pouch.
One envelope had "Zayden Wolfe, the love of my life" in Elena's delicate handwriting. The other, in bright blue and pink marker, said "To Elio & Liora—When you turn 7."
Zayden took a shaky breath and sat down on the grass. His voice cracked. "Can I read mine first?"
The twins nodded quietly.
He unfolded Elena's letter.
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Letter to Zayden
My Zay,
If you're reading this... it means time has kept going even though I haven't. And it means you've kept going—for them, for us. I always knew you would.
I don't know how many times I told you this in life, but once more won't hurt: You were my once-in-a-lifetime. You were my safe place, my home, my anchor, my wildest love. You made me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry, you held me when the world felt too loud, and you loved me in ways I never thought I deserved.
I watched you become the best father, the gentlest protector. I watched you fall in love with our babies before they were even born. I know you still sing them to sleep, even now.
But Zay… take care of yourself too. I know you. You're probably still skipping meals, probably still up too late reading to them. I want you to live. Laugh. Fall asleep without guilt. Smile without feeling like you're betraying me. You're not. I would never want that.
You gave me the happiest years of my life. And I promise, I'll be watching every moment you live from here on out. I'll be cheering you on in every boardroom and whispering 'I love you' in every quiet morning you sip coffee.
Hold Elio and Liora a little tighter for me today. And every time you miss me... just look at them. I'm there. In their giggles. In their eyes. In their stubbornness (that's your fault, by the way).
And Zayden—thank you. For every kiss, every fight, every memory. For the necklace, the breakfasts in bed, the surprise birthdays, the way you held my hand through every pain. Thank you for being my always.
Forever yours,
Elena
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Zayden couldn't stop the tears from falling. He brought the letter to his chest and cried—openly, helplessly, with no shame. Elio leaned into his side, confused but gentle. Liora rubbed his shoulder with her tiny hand.
Then he opened the second letter and handed it to them.
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Letter to Elio & Liora
My babies,
If you're reading this... then you're seven now. Can you believe it? I hope your teeth are all wiggly and your backpacks are messy and you laugh way too loud in the mornings.
I wrote this when you were just tiny bundles kicking inside my tummy. You didn't know me yet—but I knew you. I talked to you every night. I told you stories. I told you how much I couldn't wait to hold you, to kiss your chubby cheeks, to braid your hair, Liora, and teach you how to ride a bike, Elio (yes, I would've helped you fall at least five times before you got it).
If I'm not with you today, please don't ever think it's because I didn't want to be. I would've moved mountains to stay. I wanted to watch you grow up. I wanted to dance with you on your birthdays, and bake cakes with you, and fight with your dad about how many toys are too many.
But life doesn't always give us forever. So I wrote this because I want you to know—
You were my forever.
I hope you know how smart, funny, strong, and kind you both are. I hope you never doubt how much your mama loved you. With every heartbeat. With every breath.
And please be kind to your dad. He misses me more than he shows you. Give him extra hugs. Make fun of his dad jokes. And when you grow up, protect each other. Love each other.
Liora, light up every room like I know you do.
Elio, protect your sister even when she says she doesn't need it.
And both of you—dream big. Live louder than I ever could.
I'll always be proud of you.
Love, always and forever,
Mama
---
Liora sniffled, clutching the letter like a blanket. Elio blinked quickly and looked up at Zayden.
"Can we keep them?" he asked.
Zayden nodded, still crying. "Forever."
They stayed under the tree for a long time, holding one another. Somewhere in the wind, it almost felt like Elena was there—smiling through the morning light.