Eventually, I found a business listing with the same name. He owned a small construction company and lived in a quiet neighborhood outside the city.
I sent him a letter.
I did not ask him for money.
I did not ask him to become my father.
I simply told him who I was.
He replied eleven days later.
His letter was short.
Claire,
I have thought about Margaret many times over the years. I know I made mistakes. I cannot change what happened, and I do not expect you to forgive me.
If you want to meet, I will be at the Riverside Café on Saturday at noon.
I went.
He was already sitting by the window when I arrived.
He looked older than I had imagined. His hair was almost completely gray, and his hands trembled slightly as he lifted his coffee.
When he saw me, he stood up.
