I Returned to the Same Diner Every Birthday

“Are you… Marge?”

“I am. Do I know you?”

Hearing my name from a stranger startled me. He stepped forward, offering the envelope with both hands.

“He told me you’d come,” he said. “This is for you. You need to read it.”

His voice trembled slightly, but he held the envelope with care, like it mattered deeply.

I didn’t reply right away. My gaze dropped to continue reading …