Chapter 10 - The Woman Who Had Spent Eleven Years Believing Her Father Was Dead Finally Got to Have a Family Dinner With HimMy father came home.
Not to the old house.
To a small one.
Simple.
Quiet.
He wanted that.
“I'm tired of big places,” he said.
I laughed.
“You used to work for billionaires.”
“I never enjoyed them.”
We sat at dinner.
Adrian.
Lucas.
My father.
And me.
It felt strange.
Beautiful.
My father looked at Lucas.
“I failed you.”
Lucas stared.
“Yes.”
“I should have found you.”
“Yes.”
“I was afraid.”
“I know.”
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
Lucas was quiet.
Then:
“Maybe someday.”
My father nodded.
That was enough.
After dinner, he looked at Adrian.
“Take care of her.”
Adrian smiled.
“She takes care of herself.”
My father laughed.
“Good.”
Then he looked at me.
“You chose well.”
I smiled.
“Finally.”
The next day, my father gave me one final letter from my mother.
She had written it before she died.
My Little Bird,
If you're reading this, then you survived.
That is all I ever wanted.
Your father will make mistakes.
So will you.
Do not let either define you.
Choose love.
Choose truth.
And when someone gives you the freedom to walk away, choose the person who still stays.
I cried.
Adrian read it.
May you like
Then held me.
The letter became my most precious possession.
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