Eventually, he left town and asked her to tell me he was dead.
“But why would Mom agree?” I whispered.
“She thought he’d eventually return. When he didn’t, she became afraid to tell you the truth.”
Years later, my father regretted his decision.
When I turned ten, he began contacting Robert, asking about my school, birthdays, and everything happening in my life.
But my mother refused to let us meet.
“She was afraid he’d abandon you again,” Robert explained.
I covered my mouth.
“So you both knew all these years?”
He nodded.
“Yes. And I’m sorry.”
Then he explained why he’d called me that evening.
My father was living in a care facility two hours away. His health had deteriorated, and doctors feared he might not have much time left.
“He wants to see you, Emily. Just once.”
“But why did you say I had to sleep beside you?”
