Jessica purchases the home of her dreams without realizing that letters concealed inside will transform her life. The letters tell the tale of Jessica’s sister Meredith, who has been missing for eleven years. Jessica embarks on a journey in desperation to reconnect, hoping for a fresh start.
Jessica was standing in the center of her newly furnished living room, surrounded by mismatched furniture and piles of boxes. The home felt disorganized and empty even though the movers had done their work. Feeling a surge of pride, she inhaled deeply.
She used her own funds to purchase this home. It was the first time she had taken care of herself without the help of her parents.
She and her younger sister Meredith had always been under pressure from their affluent parents, Ashley and Scott, to “live up to their status.”
All their early and adolescent years, they were only permitted to play with kids from other affluent homes. These restrictions had always felt restrictive to Jessica, yet she followed them anyway. Meredith was not like the others.
Meredith hated the shackles that came with their parents’ affluence. She said that the money belonged to their parents and never acknowledged having it. She disobeyed their expectations and rules all the time.
At seventeen, she fled with a lad from a low-income household, a connection that their parents strongly objected to. Jessica hadn’t heard from her since sixteen years prior.
Unlike her sister, Jessica had never disobeyed their parents. However, this property purchase was her first act of defiance.
She wanted everyone to know it was hers and hers alone, therefore she had declined their money for the purchase. Though modest, the house belonged to her.
She took out a childhood photo of herself and Meredith after opening one of the boxes. Their arms around one another, they were grinning.
Jessica was a little offended that Meredith had never reached out to her. Despite the years of silence, she still cherished and missed her sister. With a heavy sigh, she made the decision to get cleaning. Her goal was to create a homey atmosphere in this residence.
She started by cleaning the bedroom before going to the bathroom. She discovered a little crack in the wall as she was cleaning the sink. She was annoyed because the workmen didn’t perform a good enough job.
She peered into the breach out of curiosity and noticed something there. She reached in and took out several letters, her fingers shaking.
She felt a mixture of interest and uneasiness as she held them in her hands. With a racing heart, she led them into the kitchen.
With the five letters laid out in front of her, Jessica sat at the table. The calligraphy had a feminine touch with every curve and loop, neatness, and elegance. Curious, she opened the first letter.
“Hello Friend,
Greetings from your new residence! Diego, my spouse, constructed this home by hand. It was just a year ago when we moved here, full of hope and enthusiasm. We were disagreements over paint colors and furniture placement, but it was all part of the fun of personalizing our home. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as we have.
Warm regards, M.
As Jessica read the sentences, she had an odd sensation in her chest. As the newlyweds settled into their new home, she could just picture them arguing and laughing. She took the second letter open.
“Hello Friend,
Another year has passed in our cherished house. Diego and I have been attempting to become parents. We even painted the walls a gentle yellow and put up a nursery with a crib. But nothing has been effective thus far. Even though it’s been difficult, we support one another. Just as we continue to believe that our dreams will come true, I hope yours do too.
With optimism, M.
Tears clouded Jessica’s eyes. She could sense the anguish and yearning in Meredith’s statements. Breathing deeply, she opened the third letter.
“Hello Friend,
After yet another devastating loss, we have made the decision to give up on trying for a child. It was too much to withstand the nursery’s stillness. So we got a puppy to help us fill the hole. Bella is who she is, and she has made our lives so much happier and more comfortable. I hope you find comfort in this home as much as we have from Bella.
With affection, M.
Tears spilled over and were wiped off Jessica’s cheeks. She was extremely moved by the letter’s pain and fortitude. Hands shaking, she opened the fourth letter.
“Hello Friend,
I have fantastic news! I’m due in eight months. Finally, after much suffering, our dream is becoming a reality. We are very excited to welcome our little guy home to this loving and sentimental family. Here is where I hope you discover contentment and pleasure for yourself.
With delight, M.
With a smile that belied her emotions, Jessica was incredibly happy for them. She unfolded the last letter.
“Hello Friend,
We are coming to the conclusion of our stay at this house. For our son’s health, we are relocating to a location near the sea. This house has witnessed our happiness, grief, and realized dreams. Here, I hope for you a life full with love and pleasure.
From Meredith the mermaid, with love and care.
Jessica felt a knot grow in her throat and her hands began to shake. When they were younger, Meredith had given herself the nickname “the mermaid.”
She became aware that she had purchased the home her sister’s husband had constructed. She seemed to have been led there by fate.
She reclined, taken aback by the revelation. After much waiting, she had finally made contact with Meredith through an odd turn of events. She came to the conclusion that it was a message she should locate her sister and mend their broken bond.
She called Sarah, the realtor, anxiously and made an appointment to meet at a nearby café. In an hour, Sarah said she could be there. With a mixture of fear and optimism rushing through her head, Jessica hung up the phone.
She tried to relax and took her time getting dressed. She kept thinking about her sister and the letters while she styled her hair and made her wardrobe selection.
Sarah was already seated at a corner table when she arrived into the café. With her heart racing, Jessica took a deep breath and moved across. Sarah gave a pleasant grin as she glanced up.
“Hello, Jessica. How are you doing? Sarah questioned, gesturing for her to take a seat.
Hello, Sarah. “Thank you for having me here,” Jessica answered.
“Coffee, would you like some?” Sarah enquired as Jessica took a seat.
“No, I’m grateful,” Jessica shook her head. “I’m too old to have coffee after work. It doesn’t let me sleep at all.
Sarah chuckled quietly. “I comprehend. What then did you wish to discuss? Is there a problem with the house?
Jessica paused and turned to face her hands. “No, no. The home is perfect. Simply said,
“Exactly what?” Sarah asked, bending forward and casting a worried glance.
Jessica inhaled deeply. “The previous owner left some letters, which I recovered. They talk about how they live in the house.
That’s intriguing. Sarah said, her interest peaked, “I’ve heard of people doing that but have never encountered it myself.”
“Yes,” Jessica said again, her voice faltering. However, I believe these letters are from my sister. Eleven years ago, she vanished.
Sarah’s surprised eyes grew wide. “Ahh… I am at a loss for words.
Jessica leaned closer, her eyes full of desperation. “Do you know anything about them, or their contact details?”
Sarah seemed uncertain. They relocated to a different state, as I am aware, due to their son’s asthma. It was suggested that they relocate nearer to the ocean.
Jessica’s pulse pounded. “How about phone numbers?”
Sarah nibbled on her lip. “Normally, I wouldn’t reveal this kind of client information.”
Sarah, please. With a broken voice, Jessica said, “She might be my sister.”
Sarah paused, obviously conflicted. It’s still the case.
Jessica cut in, her voice frantic. It’s been eleven years since I last saw her. These letters are the only reason I know she was married and had a son.
Sarah sighed, her expression confused. “However, Jessica—”
“Please,” Jessica pleaded with Sarah. “I’ll pay you anything, I’ll do anything.” All I want is to see my sister once again.
Sarah saw the earnestness and desperation in Jessica’s eyes. “All right,” she mutely said. “But you’re not allowed to disclose to anyone how you obtained their contacts.”
Jessica smiled with a sense of relief. “I swear,”
Sarah gave Jessica the contact information for Meredith and her husband after writing it down. Jessica was excited and nervous at the same time as she studied the piece of paper.
Jessica responded, “Thank you, Sarah,” in a tone full of appreciation.
“Thank you so much. With a loving smile, Sarah said, “I hope you find her.”
Jessica was thinking about something else as they continued their conversation about the area and nearby stores in the café. She was already making plans for what to do next.
Jessica ran out of the café and headed home. With her pulse pounding, she went down at her computer and quickly booked a trip to the city where Meredith resided. A wave of resolve washed over her.
She was determined not to lose this opportunity to get back in touch with her sister. She couldn’t help but imagine what Meredith would be like after all these years as she prepared her luggage.
Jessica flew to another state the next day in search of Meredith. Nervousness tortured her stomach the whole flight. She found Meredith’s address as soon as she landed by using the connections Sarah had provided. She rode in a cab to the destination, her heart racing with every minute that went by.
Jessica inhaled deeply and got out of the cab as soon as it came to a halt in front of the home. She walked up to the door, her legs aglow with jelly. Pulling herself together, she knocked on the door.
Meredith was standing there when the door opened a few moments later. Her appearance had changed from the teenage Jessica had recalled. A young boy who resembled her was in her arms.
Meredith looked at Jessica with wide eyes and a little surprised expression on her lips.
Quietly, Jessica whispered, “Hello, Meredith.”
Meredith appeared momentarily shocked. After placing her kid down, she gave Jessica a strong embrace.
With a voice full of passion, Meredith muttered, “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Me neither,” Jessica said, her eyes welling with tears.
After letting her go and picking up her kid again, Meredith let Jessica inside. Toys were strewn all over the floor of the warm and inviting residence. While the small child played with his cars and blocks, they sat in the living room.
How did you discover me? With wonder in her gaze, Meredith enquired.
Jessica inhaled deeply. “I purchased your previous home. The letters you left behind have been located.
Meredith’s gaze expanded. “I didn’t think anyone would find those so quickly.”
“Why did you write them at all?” Jessica enquired.
We love to travel, so we knew we wouldn’t stay at that place forever. In response, Meredith said, “I thought it would be intriguing to leave a bit of ourselves in every place we reside in.
Jessica gave a nod. “What prevented you from reaching out to me throughout the years?” she questioned, her tone kind but laced with hurt.
Glancing down, Meredith let out a sigh. “It was a result of my parents.” They were constantly near you, and I didn’t want them in my life. Diego was never accepted by them, so I had to start my own family outside of their sphere of influence.
Jessica regretted something. Now, I seldom ever talk to them. I’m sorry I didn’t get to speak with you all throughout this period.
With softened eyes, Meredith glanced up. “I had the same emotions. However, they strongly opposed my connection with Diego. And now that we are wed, we have this amazing boy. Even if I could, there is nothing that I would alter.
Tears clouded Jessica’s eyes. “I truly apologize for not being present when you lost your child. It was my duty to support you.
A sorrowful grin came across Meredith’s face. “I missed your help throughout that period. While difficult, we managed to overcome it.
For a short while, they sat in quiet as the burden of the past descended over them. The stillness was broken by Meredith. However, this is your opportunity to participate in your nephew’s life. He could do with a hip aunt.
Jessica gave Meredith a firm embrace while grinning through tears. Her voice was suffused with sorrow as she continued, “I missed you so much.”
“It’s me too, Meredith,” she said, giving her sister an equally strong embrace in return.