I looked at Charlotte’s handwriting on the envelope, then slowly opened it.
“Daryl,
If you’re reading this, then I’ve either found the courage I never had… or I’ve run out of time.
I don’t know how to explain why I stayed away. I tried so many times, but every explanation felt like an excuse. You were never just part of my past.
You were the life I thought I would have.
I wanted to tell you the truth so many times. I wrote letters, but I never sent them. I kept waiting for the right moment.
But I waited too long. There’s something you deserve to know.
After that one night we shared in high school… I got pregnant. When I told my parents, they gave me no choice. When I refused to have an abortion, they pulled me out of school. Took me away. Cut me off from everything—including you.
I never got to say goodbye. And I never told you that you were going to be a father.
Our daughter grew up strong. Kind. She has your heart.
I told myself I was protecting you. That I was giving you a chance at a better life.
But the truth is… I was afraid.
If I ever had the chance, I would’ve told you everything. I would’ve told you I never stopped loving you.
You deserved to know.
If you’re reading this now… I’m sorry it took this long.
And I hope, somehow, you found your way to us.
—Charlotte”
