Ethan missed her gentle voice, warm hugs, and reading bedtime stories with her every night. In his loneliness, he began writing letters to her.

“Dear Mom,

Today was another hard day without you. I miss you so much. Dad is really sad too. I don’t think he notices me much anymore. He has become really weird and even scary sometimes… I wish you were here to hug me and tell me everything will be okay.

Love, Ethan”

Later during a walk, Ethan saw the rusty mailbox at the end of their street. It had always been there, ignored and forgotten, covered in vines and cobwebs. An idea sparked in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, if he put his letter in the mailbox, it would somehow find its way to his mom. With a hopeful heart, he took out one of his letters from his jeans pocket and slipped it inside the mailbox, hoping it would find its receiver.
The next day, Ethan woke up feeling a tiny bit lighter, as if writing the letter had lifted a small weight off his shoulders. He went through his usual morning routine and walked to school, but his thoughts were never far from the mailbox. After school, he couldn’t wait to check if there was any response. He ran back to the mailbox and opened it, his heart pounding with anticipation.
Inside, there was a single, neatly folded piece of paper. His hands trembling, Ethan carefully unfolded the note and began to read.

“Dear Ethan,

I miss you too, my sweet boy. I know things are hard right now, but I am always with you in your heart. Be brave for your dad and for yourself. Remember the stories we used to read together and find strength in them. I’m sending you a big hug.

Love always,
Mom”

Ethan couldn’t hold back his tears. The words on the paper seemed to wrap around him like a warm embrace. He clutched the letter to his chest, feeling a strange mixture of sadness and comfort. Somehow, it felt as if his mom had reached out to him from beyond, assuring him that she was still watching over him.

Over the next few weeks, Ethan continued to write letters to his mom, pouring out his heart on paper. Each time he left a letter in the rusty mailbox, he found a reply waiting for him the next day. The letters from his mom were filled with encouragement, love, and little bits of advice to help him navigate the difficult times.

“Dear Mom,

I told Dad about my good grades today, but he didn’t seem to care. I know he’s hurting too, but I feel so alone. Why does he act so distant?

Love, Ethan”

“Dear Ethan,

Your dad is going through a lot, just like you. Sometimes people get lost in their own sadness and forget to show how much they care. Keep being patient and kind. I’m proud of you for your good grades, and I know your dad is too, even if he doesn’t show it. Keep being the amazing boy you are.

Love always,
Mom”

With each letter, Ethan felt a bit stronger and more connected to his mom. He also began to notice small changes in his dad. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, his dad seemed to be coming out of his shell. One evening, Ethan found his dad sitting on the edge of his bed, holding one of Ethan’s school assignments.

“Ethan,” his dad began, his voice soft and shaky, “I’m sorry I’ve been so distant. I see how hard you’ve been working and how much you’ve been hurting. I’ve just been so lost without her…”

Ethan sat down beside his dad, placing a small hand on his shoulder. “I miss her too, Dad. But we still have each other. We can get through this together.”

That night, for the first time in months, Ethan and his dad sat together and read one of his mom’s favorite bedtime stories. As they turned the pages, the gap between them began to close, just a little.

The mysterious letters continued to arrive, guiding Ethan through his grief and helping him reconnect with his dad. The rusty old mailbox became a symbol of hope and healing, a magical connection to his mom that brought comfort and strength in their darkest times.

In the end, the letters helped Ethan realize that even though his mom was gone, her love was still very much alive in his heart and in the bonds he shared with his dad. The mailbox may have been old and forgotten by the world, but to Ethan, it was a lifeline that had brought his family back together.