My breath caught. She looked tired, her hair messily pulled back, dark circles under her eyes. But her smile was gentle, and when she spoke, I realized immediately she wasn’t talking to me. She was talking to Leo.
There was only one file: a video.
“Hi, my sweet boy,” Nora whispered. “If you’re watching this someday, I need you to know the truth. And I need you to forgive me. There’s something about your father I never had the courage to say out loud.
Baby, your father is alive. He didn’t die, like I told everyone. He knew I was pregnant with you, knew from the very beginning, but he didn’t want to be a father. He didn’t want you, didn’t want me… didn’t want any of it.
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And when I was scared and alone and needed him most, he just turned his back and walked away like we meant nothing. I told everyone he died because I was ashamed. I didn’t want people to judge you or treat you differently. I wanted you to grow up loved, not pitied.
“I need you to know the truth.”
I know his name, but that’s all. He didn’t leave us anything else. But, baby, none of this is your fault. You’re good. You’re pure. You’re mine. And I love you more than anything I’ve ever had in this world.
There’s something else, sweetheart. I’m sick. The doctors say I don’t have much time left.
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I’m recording this now because I want you to know the truth someday, when you’re old enough to understand. I’m hiding it in your bunny because I know you’ll keep him safe.”
“The doctors say I don’t have much time left.”
I couldn’t stop crying as Nora’s final words reached across time to comfort her son.
“If Uncle Ollie is loving you now, it means you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Trust him, baby. Let him love you. He’s family. He’ll never leave you. I’m so sorry I won’t be there to watch you grow up. But please know you were wanted and loved. You always will be.”
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