At the age of 13, she gave birth to a child, and 18 years later, on her daughter’s birthday, she received a letter from the hospital, after which the girl’s father confessed for the first time that he was hiding the truth

Emma studied her face.

“Do you still speak to Lucas?”

“Occasionally. He lives in another city. He has his own family now.”

“Does he know you’re meeting me?”

“Yes.”

“Does he want to meet me?”

Helena hesitated.

“He knows you may contact him. I cannot promise what he will say or how he will react.”

Emma nodded.

“Then let’s leave it there.”

For the first time since the conversation began, Helena looked relieved.

She had not been promised forgiveness.

She had not been offered a place in Sophie’s life.

But she had been given the opportunity to speak honestly.

That was more than Emma had expected.

Before they parted, Helena handed her the album.

“I don’t expect you to bring Sophie to see me,” she said. “If she never wants to meet me, I will respect that.”

Emma took the album.

“That’s a decision Sophie will make for herself.”

“I understand.”