“Hazel,
If you’re reading this, you’ve always been the best part of me.
Don’t let bitterness make you small. Keep your spine straight. Keep your heart generous. Love hard, even when it hurts.
Everything I leave behind will be split between you and Karen.
You were my reason to try.
—Dad.”
Those words hit harder than the funeral ever had.
Aunt Lucy’s arm wrapped around my shoulders. Karen’s sobs softened into quiet hiccups. Family members passing by squeezed my hand as they walked past.
As the sun slipped down behind the church roof, I closed my fist around the spare key. The Shelby wasn’t gone forever — just out of reach for now.
Aunt Lucy called out, “Home, Hazel. And Karen, your choices don’t get to steer this family anymore.”
I followed her, grief heavy in my chest — but something steadier underneath it.
Not forgiveness.
Control.
