My Elderly Neighbor Died — Two Days Later, I Dug Up the Secret He Hid Under His Apple Tree for 40 Years

Inside was twenty dollars and a small note:

“For candy for the girls.”

We weren’t close.

But we were good neighbors.

Then, a few days ago, Mr. Whitmore died.

Since he had no family nearby, I helped organize the funeral. Only a handful of people came — a few neighbors, the pastor, and the funeral director.

The service was quiet and short.

Afterward, everyone went home, and life seemed ready to return to normal.

But two days later I found a sealed envelope in my mailbox.

My name was written across the front.

At first I assumed it was a thank-you note.

But the handwriting looked familiar.

My hands started shaking as I unfolded the letter.

“My dear Tanya,

If you’re reading this, I’m no longer here.