The mail truck goes down the coast carrying a single letter. The mail carrier had no way of knowing what that letter said or what news it was about to bring to the Stafford family. The only thing that the mail carrier knew was that he was supposed to deliver this letter to Mr. Stafford as soon as possible. It was sent by overnight mail and was addressed to Mr. Stafford. The envelope was postmarked from New Zealand. The mail carrier was curious as to who the Stafford’s knew in New Zealand. He had known the Stafford’s for the past twelve years and not once did they mention anything about knowing someone in that country.

“Hello there, Mr. Stafford. I have an overnight letter here for you. The return address isn’t legible though.”

“Why thank you Hank. Hmmm. New Zealand. I wonder who this is from. Well, have a great day Hank. Thanks again for making a special trip all the way out here for one letter.”

“Just doing my job. I hope all is okay. Hopefully, it is good news,” said Hank.

“We shall see. I will let you know the next time I see you. Have a great day. I’ll see you later,” remarked Mr. Stafford taking the mysterious letter into the house and dead bolting the door and pulling down the shades.

As Hank was getting back into the mail truck he wonders to himself why on earth would Mr. Stafford lock his door and pull down the shades. ‘What a strange one that Mr. Stafford can be sometimes.’

Inside of the Stafford house, the family gathers around the kitchen table. David and Marie sit staring at their parents as they open the letter and begin to read:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stafford:

 I am writing to inform you that David and Marie’s mother is being released from prison in four weeks from the date of this letter.  Being that the children are not yet eighteen, the mother may try to contact you. It is my understanding that you and Mrs. Stafford have custody of the children, and I recommend that you contact a lawyer for your protection.

Their mother served her full sentence and she will not be participating with any probation procedures. She will be free to come and go as she pleases. Please be on the lookout for her.