Before
Before it was found, it was not hidden
The letter and all it contained had been inside the book for weeks
months maybe
Prior to
Prior to the conversation there was no suspicions
no hints or subtle clues
we don't look for things we don't know about
After
After the letter and the conversation were
curses, threats and slamming doors but
nothing closed what was now open
Title from short story: It can break.
Cassie Condrey