The screen flickered.
And suddenly Grandma June’s face appeared.
She was sitting in her favorite chair, sunlight coming through the kitchen window behind her.
“Hi, honey,” she said with a warm smile.
Blythe felt tears immediately forming.
Grandma continued speaking.
“If you’re watching this, it means you did exactly what I asked… you took Scout.”
She paused and looked directly into the camera.
“Now listen to me carefully.”
Blythe sat down on the floor beside Scout, holding her phone.
The room was quiet except for Grandma’s voice.
“I know your sisters,” Grandma said gently.
“They care about things… but you care about people.”
Blythe wiped her eyes.
Then Grandma leaned closer to the camera.
“Inside Scout’s collar is not just this code.”
“There’s also a small metal tag hidden in the lining.”
Blythe’s heart began pounding.
“Take that tag to the safe deposit box at Riverdale Bank,” Grandma continued.
“The number is engraved on it.”
She smiled softly again.
“I wanted to make sure the right person found it.”
Scout wagged his tail as if he understood every word.
The Hidden Gift
The next morning Blythe carefully examined the collar.
Sure enough, inside the thick fabric lining was a tiny metal tag.
Etched into it was a number.
And the name of a local bank.
Two hours later Blythe walked into Riverdale Bank holding Scout’s leash.
The bank manager checked the number and nodded.
“Yes,” he said. “There is a safe deposit box registered under June Carter.”
After verifying Blythe’s identity, he brought out a small metal box.
Blythe’s hands trembled as she opened it.
Inside were several envelopes.
A letter.
And a set of documents.
The letter was addressed to her.
In Grandma’s familiar handwriting.
