Chapter 21: Dad's Letter

I read my father's letter standing up, in the empty Lowell Design lobby, with Tobias's hand flat between my shoulder blades.

The page was written in his blocky capitals, in the black pen he used for blueprints.

Cora,

If you are reading this, I'm gone, and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you in person.

I'm no good at this, so I'll keep it short.

Your mother's ring is yours.

Wear it on your right hand where you can see it.

I watched Marguerite Lowell at your wedding.

She asked me twice how much I was leaving you.

The second time she smiled.

A woman who asks a father that is counting.

Keep the money in your own name.

Don't lend it to a family, even one you love.

Don't sign anything you haven't read, even when you're crying.

You are better at this than he is.

I saw the model you made for your first competition, and I wanted to put it in a frame.

I'd have done it too, if I wasn't afraid you'd think I was bragging.

Put your name on the door.

Don't wait for someone to hand you the marker.

I was proud of you every day.

I should have said so more.

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