The box had been sitting at the back of the wardrobe for years, tucked beneath folded blankets I never used and behind the suitcases I only pulled out for long trips. I had almost forgotten it was there until I decided to clear space. The cardboard had softened over time, corners sagging, and the tape that once sealed it had yellowed and peeled away. I pulled it forward slowly, brushing dust off the lid with the back of my hand, and felt something inside me stir before I even opened it.

For a ...