Going to thrift stores became a fun tradition for sisters Alley and Lane.

(Their parents had a good laugh at their own creativity with their names.)

Every so often, they make time and meet up at a thrift store.

That’s where they are now. A thrift store out of town, browsing the clothes. Alley’s fingers brushes the contrasting fabrics. She plucks a hanger off the rack that had a cute blue sweater on it.

“Lane, what do you think?” Alley turns to her sister to find her now looking at her.

“What did you find?” She asks, going on her toes to glance over Lane’s shoulder. It is a nice purse, a deep red color.

“Isn’t this beautiful?” Lane says, spinning around to more easily show her. Alley nods with enthusiasm, her hair swishing at the movement. “Would it fit all of the stuff you dump into your bag?” She points out. Lane over prepares and has everything at her fingertips in case of an emergency.

“I think, let me see.” The zipper takes an extra tug before it glides open.

“What’s that?” Alley reaches into the black interior and pulls out a small piece of paper. She expects a receipt, but it is thicker than that. It unfolds into a much larger sized parchment.

Lane sees the first two words. “It’s a letter.”

Alley begins to read out loud. “November 4, 1944. Dear Viv, I can’t wait to see you. It’s been so long. I know that some may find what we share wrong, but how can something so joyful and enchanting be so wrong? Everything draws me to you. Your infectious laugh. Sunny outlook. The way you look at me like you truly see me. The real me. Soon we won’t have to hide and can be together. All of my love, Jamie.”

The sisters both become silent. These two people, Viv and Jamie, loved each other. They just got a glimpse of their live story.

“Alley, do you think they ended up together? This guy who wrote the letter to this woman?” Lane wonders aloud.

“I would like to think so.”

Obviously, she buys the purse and this mysterious love at a great discount.

When they got back to Lane’s apartment, they bring out the letter and examine it for any identifiers.

“There’s a full name here. We can look her up,” Alley points out, already taking out her phone.

“I found an obituary. Vivian Doring-Scott died five years ago at the age of 90. She passed away in her sleep,” she announces, her voice going flat.

It could have been possible for her to be alive, but sadly she has passed.

“Does it say anything about her life? About Jamie?” Lane probes further. Alley scans the rest of the obituary.

“Vivian and her partner, Jamie, got married twenty years ago when same sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts.” Both girls’ mouths dropped as Alley revealed that Jamie was a woman. They assumed when reading the letter that she was a man, but parts of the letter makes more sense now.

“Vivian lived a full life. She leaves behind Jamie and their daughter. Vivian touched so many hearts as a nurse. If you have any stories of Vivian, we would love to hear them. Contact us at the email below.”

It sounded like Viv had an amazing, fulfilling life. Lane smiles as she sees the photo attached.

“We should email them. Ask if Jamie or their daughter wants the letter and the purse,” Lane suggests, her mind pretty much made up.

“Good idea.”

To: Jamie Doring Scott

Subject: Vivian Story

Hello Jamie,

First, we want to say we are sorry for your loss. Vivian was obviously a beautiful, kind soul. My name is Alley, and my sister, Lane, and I went to a thrift store and bought this beautiful red purse. We found a love letter which we found so heartfelt. Your love touched us both. If you would like the letter and purse, let us know your address and we’ll send it to you.

Sincerely, Alley and Lane

To: Alley

Subject: Thank You!

Dear Alley and Lane,

I was so touched that you reached out about the letter. Viv and I would send each other those letters all the time. There was so much against us. Society. Our parents. Everyone it felt like. But nothing was going to keep up apart. She wondered where that letter went, it was her favorite. If it wouldn’t be a hassle, I’ll leave my address and you can send it to me.

Also I would love to know the kind girls that are returning my letter.

With love,

Jamie

PS. You can keep the purse. Viv absolutely hated it.