When I opened the door, it felt like everything was still the same. The air still carried a faint scent of her perfume, and on the desk lay an open notebook.

I picked up each item carefully — her dress, her hair ties, her favorite book. I cried, holding them against my chest, as if that could bring her back for just a moment.

But then, from one of her textbooks, a small folded piece of paper fell out. My heart skipped a beat.

I unfolded it — and instantly recognized my daughter’s handwriting.

On the paper it said:
“Mommy, if you’re reading this, look under the bed immediately and you’ll understand everything.”

I read it over and over again, my hands trembling. My chest tightened. What could she have meant?

Gathering my courage, I knelt down and looked under the bed… and what I saw there left me in shock.