Horace’s lockbox, and its contents, symbolize the change of heart Horace experiences after spending five months away from his family. While the box contains the bonds, there is also a surprising array of family artifacts within the box. Leo, who catches a peek inside of it, recalls:

[R]ight next to them is a baby shoe of Zan’s and a cheap old cameo on a string, and, and—nobody’d believe this—a piece of an old violin […] A poem, I guess it is, signed with his mother’s name, and two old school books with notes. (33)

None of these items hold any sort of monetary value. Instead, they are priceless memories of his family and friends. The baby shoe represents his love and affection for his daughter. The poem is signed by his mother, who is presumed dead. The other items are not discussed or explored, but it is evident that they, too, hold a great deal of sentimental value. The simple and inexpensive nature of these items proves that the glamorous life Regina and her brothers seek is not as worthwhile as a life where one is loved.