I went to drop off cookies for my mother-in-law, Margaret, expecting a quick visit. The house was quiet, she didn’t answer the door, and something felt off. A faint tapping led me to the attic—always locked—but that day, the key was in place.
Inside, I found Margaret sitting on a chair, pale and embarrassed. She confessed that the attic was her escape, a place to think and feel seen, away from the silence and loneliness of her busy household. The tapping? Just her attempt to get attention without causing a fuss.
I helped her downstairs, made tea, and listened. That day, I realized the most important discoveries aren’t hidden treasures—they’re noticing the quiet struggles of those around us. Sometimes, simply listening is enough to unlock what truly matters.