“My 76-Year-Old Grandpa Took Me Into the Woods Every Day and Made Me Undress Until I Was Half-Naked. But One Day, My Mother Secretly Followed Us and Heard Strange Screams Coming From Deep Inside the Forest. When She Got Closer and Saw What We Were Actually Doing, Her Heart Couldn’t Take It. She Fell to Her Knees and Burst Into Tears…”

My mother covered her face.

“I am so sorry.”

Mary reached out her hand.

“Then come here.”

My mother looked toward the stream, then at the narrow crossing Grandpa and I had been building.

For a moment, she seemed afraid to move.

Grandpa stepped forward.

“The crossing is secure, Sarah. We had it inspected by people who understand this kind of work. But we don’t have to cross here if you’d rather take the longer path.”

Mary gave a small, tearful smile.

“I’ve waited twenty-five years. I can wait another few minutes.”

That made my mother laugh through her tears.

It was a small, broken laugh, but it was the first sound of happiness I had heard from her that morning.

With Grandpa’s help, my mother crossed using the safer path.

The moment she reached the other side, Mary opened her arms.

Sarah fell to her knees beside the wheelchair and embraced her.