He said, “This is from your mother.” “I am giving it to you on your eighteenth birthday, per her request.” My fingers trembled as I opened the mail.
“To Nancy, You’ve accomplished a significant life milestone if you’re reading this, and I’m so proud of the person you’ve grown into.
I wish I could be there to enjoy this moment with you since you were the reason I had everything and the light of my life.
The letter went on with encouraging and kind words, but then I came to a discovery that was like a thunderclap, and my heart missed a beat. “I must tell you the truth: Stephen is your biological father, not merely your stepfather.
He was terrified and unprepared for the responsibility when I told him I was expecting. I raised you by myself for over a decade after he departed.
However, he was remorseful when he came back, and I could see he was eager to rejoin your life. I gave you the impression that he was a recent addition to our life so as not to confuse you.
