The drawer was locked, and the key was labeled private. After the observer's death, the institution asked his executor to open it. Inside were stacks of blank sheets and a letter explaining that they had been purchased with his own money.
Archivist Theo expected personal correspondence. Instead, he found notes on the wrappers listing students who lacked supplies. The observer had kept spare paper for them without making them apply through the office. The drawer's privacy protected recipients from embarrassment rather than concealing his own affairs.
Some wrappers carried names; others carried only dates. Theo consulted the executor about restricting the names while preserving the account of the arrangement. The institution established a public supply shelf so future students would not need a private favor.
The key went into the archive with the letter. The blank paper was used. Theo liked the difference between those decisions: one object explained a habit worth remembering, while the others could still fulfill its purpose. Keeping every sheet untouched would have honored the appearance of generosity while preventing the practical act that made the drawer matter.