The door creaked open, revealing a sliver of dust-thickened sunlight. The three of them peered inside. Nothing but hay, cobwebs, and forgotten tools. Bryan gave a low whistle. “So much for secrets.” Sam chuckled. “Looks like he saved the best for you.”
They turned and walked back toward the house, their laughter drifting behind them. Claire stood at the threshold for a moment longer, her fingers brushing the worn wood. “I’ll take care of it,” she whispered. “If this is what you left me… I’ll find a way to make it matter.”