In the quiet of the night, with her companions lost in the realm of dreams, Adela's eyes fluttered open. The weight of anticipation hung in the air as she sat up on the mat, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She looked around and got up on her feet.
Cautiously, Adela reached for her bag and carefully withdrew the chest. Its weathered surface bore the marks of time; its edges were worn and faded. The anticipation grew stronger as she cradled it in her hands, a flickering lantern casting an amber glow on the scene.
Sitting on the ground, Adela placed the lantern beside her, illuminating the chest and the letters it held within. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, before slowly lifting the lid. Inside, a collection of aged letters lay neatly stacked, their delicate pages holding secrets long kept hidden. Adela opened the first letter to read.
***
