I hid it from you because I was afraid you would think it was unrealistic… or you would stop me because you would see how much it would cost.

So I quietly saved money. I secretly bought some land. I started building a small school.

Almost finished.

The money in the mattress is enough to maintain it.

That smell… comes from old documents and damp cash stored too long.

I’m sorry I got upset while you were cleaning. I just wasn’t ready to find out.

I planned to tell you next month—on our anniversary. I wanted to take you there myself.

You’re the first person I want to have by my side in this whole situation.

If you’re upset, I understand. But please know… I didn’t do this just for myself. I did it for something bigger than us.

I love you.

—Michael

When I finished reading, I cried.

For months I feared the worst.

I thought he was hiding something terrible… another life… another family.

But the truth was different.

He hid a dream.

When Michael got home, I told him we needed to talk.

He sat down calmly, already knowing.

“I’m sorry I lied,” he said.

I put the letter on the table.

“I read it.”