“What is that?” he said quietly.
Together, man and dog had uncovered something that appeared to have been hidden beneath the tree for years.
James carefully pulled the box free and carried it to the porch. His dog followed closely, refusing to leave his side.
When James opened it, he understood that this wasn’t simply a forgotten container filled with ordinary belongings.
Inside were old photographs, handwritten letters, military medals and a worn dog collar. Everything appeared to have been deliberately preserved.
Then James picked up one photograph.