Ms. Richards removed a silver key from her folder.
“Byron left one instruction that must be completed first.”
I knew what it opened before she spoke.
“The garage,” I whispered.
Dad’s detached garage stood at the far end of the driveway.
***
For five years, he’d kept it locked. He boarded the windows, changed the padlock, and carried the only key.
Whenever I asked what was inside, he gave the same answer.
“Not yet, Chloe.”
***
In the living room, Ms. Richards called Aunt Sandy, Uncle Nolan, Sadie, Greg, and me closer.
“Byron named each of you. You must all be present.”
“For Chloe to open a garage?” Greg asked.
“Why her?”
“Because that was your father’s decision.”
Greg gave a short laugh. “Dad always did enjoy making us work for an answer.”
“Chloe unlocks the door and enters first. No one crosses the threshold without her permission.”
She placed the key in my palm, and we moved outside.
***
Relatives gathered along the driveway and across the grass. Aunt Sandy squeezed my arm.
“We’re right here, sweetheart.”
Greg stepped beside me and raised his phone.
“Let’s see what Dad left us.”
He put one arm around my shoulders.
The camera didn’t.
“Put it away.”
“I’m recording for everyone.”
“I don’t want this recorded.”
I stepped away. Irritation flashed across Greg’s face before he lowered the phone, still holding it.
I pulled it out and tried again.
“What comes next?” Joshua asked behind me.
I looked over my shoulder.
“We try again.”
The lock opened.
