A Father’s Search for Answers After an Unexpected Goodbye

Days later a small package arrived—scrunchies, crayons, and a photo of Jyll smiling at the sea. Her note said she was trying, that she hoped to come home someday. Zach placed the picture on the mantel and turned on the porch light that evening, leaving it glowing against the dusk.

This time, the waiting was his choice. This time, silence meant hope, not surrender.