Her name was written across the front in unfamiliar handwriting.
Inside was a short note from Elisabeth, a retired social worker who had helped Emma’s family during the difficult months following Sophie’s birth.
“Emma, there is something your father entrusted to me several years ago. He asked me to keep it safe until Sophie turned eighteen. I believe the time has come for you to know the truth. Please come and see me before making any decisions.”
Emma read the message twice.
Then a third time.
Her first thought was that something terrible had happened to Sophie’s father.
She had not heard his name spoken in years. She had built her life around the simple understanding that he had disappeared from their lives, leaving Emma and her family to deal with the consequences.
She had never wanted to reopen that chapter.
Yet something about Elisabeth’s message unsettled her.
