The treasure chest had been sitting at the foot of my twin bed for 17 years, unopened. The large box - black with antiquated gold hinges and secured by a heavy Master padlock - contained the contents of the three years following my father’s passing.

Now, 20 years later to the day, I kneeled before it, key in hand, ready to do the unthinkable.

My father was a quiet man of few words but with estab...

“More wine?”

I stared at him from across the linen-covered table, with just a candle and two glasses between us. My subtle grin set his signal to the server in motion, our eyes never leaving the other.

“Will I be the first to learn of your great secret?” I asked, slipping my hand into his by the burning flame. He squeezed gently, then stroked the back of my hand with his thumb.

“Ah, that.” And I t...