For three months, every night I noticed a strange smell, not a normal body odor, but a damp, musty, and pungent smell that clung to the sheets and especially to the side of Miguel’s bed.

A small building.

On the reverse: San Pedro Community School – Cebu.

Confusion replaced fear.

Then I found a letter.

It was Michael’s.

Ann,

If you’re reading this, you’ve discovered the secret I’ve been keeping.

I know you might be angry. But please, read everything first.

This money doesn’t come from any illegal activity. And I haven’t betrayed you.

I’ve been saving for years… for a dream.

You know how difficult my childhood was in Cebu. Many of my friends couldn’t go to school, not because they didn’t want to, but because they couldn’t afford it.

When I started making money, I made a promise: one day I would build a school for children like them.

I hid it from you because I was afraid you’d think it was unrealistic… or that you’d stop me because of how much it would cost.
So I saved in silence. I secretly bought a plot of land. I started building a small school.

It’s almost finished.

The money under the mattress is what’s left to keep it running.

The smell… comes from old documents and damp cash that has been stored for too long.

I’m sorry I got angry when you cleaned. I just wasn’t ready for you to find out.

I was planning to tell you next month, on our anniversary. I wanted to take you myself.

You’re the first person I want by my side in this.

If you’re upset, I understand. But please keep in mind that… I didn’t do it just for myself. I did it for something bigger than us.

I love you.

-Miguel

When I finished reading, I was crying.

Continue on next page