Michael shook his head. “I don’t know.” He did know one thing, though: Eleanor deserved the chance to decide what to do with this version of herself. He checked the clock and said, “I’m calling her.”
June’s eyebrows rose. “Today?”
“Yes.” Michael looked down at the open letter in his hands. “If we wait, I’ll turn this into a six-week diplomacy operation. I’m done doing that.”
Eleanor answered on the fourth ring.
Michael did not explain much beyond, “I’m at the condo. We found something I think you should see.” There was a long pause on the line. Finally she said, “Is she there?” Michael answered honestly that June was. Another pause followed, then a weary exhale. “I’ll be there in forty minutes.”
When Eleanor arrived, the condo felt too small for all three of them and the accumulated decades spread across the dining table.
She stepped inside wearing a camel coat and carrying the watchful expression of someone entering disputed territory. June greeted her with a plain hello. Eleanor returned it with a nod. Michael led her to the table and placed the first bundle of letters in front of her without commentary.