Because I knew something about your family that you never knew.
What?
She looked directly at him.
You had a brother.
Michael froze.
What?
A brother.
You were never an only child.
PART 3 — THE BROTHER MICHAEL NEVER KNEW
Michael stared at his mother as if he had stopped understanding the words coming out of her mouth.
I had a brother?
His mother nodded slowly.
His name was Jonathan.
Michael shook his head.
That’s impossible.
I would remember having a brother.
You were only eight years old.
What happened to him?
His mother looked down at the table.
Your father didn’t want him.
Why?
He was born before your father and I were married.
Michael’s expression changed.
You mean he was my half-brother?
His mother nodded.
Yes.
Where is he now?
I don’t know.
Michael slammed his hand against the table.
You don’t know?
I haven’t seen him in thirty years.
His sister began crying.
Michael turned toward her.
You knew?
I found out when I was nineteen.
And you never told me?
Mom made me promise.
Michael looked at his mother.
Why?
Because your father wanted Jonathan forgotten.
But why?
His mother took a deep breath.
Because Jonathan wasn’t the only secret.
