For years, I wanted to tell you the truth, but I never found the courage. When I discovered I was pregnant with your child, I chose to keep it a secret—for the sake of my marriage. I believed I was doing what was right. But in doing so, I stole something from you.

Our son, Dwayne, never knew the truth. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him. But now that I’m gone, I want to give you back what I took.

If you want to reach him, his number is below. He’s a good man, Will. I hope you’ll meet him.

I never meant to hurt you. But I did. And for that, I am truly sorry.

With love, always,

Lacey

—

I sat there for a long time, the letter trembling in my hands.

Should I call?

The phone felt like a weight in my palm.

Before doubt could stop me, I pressed dial.

“Hello?” His voice was steady, unmistakably familiar.

How do you break news like this? How do you close a distance that has stretched across 35 years?

I let out a nervous chuckle. “Hey, Dwayne, it’s… I just wanted to say thanks for covering my groceries at the store the other week. Funny thing—I ended up with your number completely by chance. You wouldn’t believe how it happened! Would you be up for grabbing a coffee or tea in the city?”

The silence that followed felt like an eternity, but I could hear his breath on the other end. My son.

“And you’ll explain how you got my number?” he finally asked.

“Yes… I’ll tell you everything,” I promised.