My parents had no clue who gifted it, but I remember Mom tearing up when she saw it.

Dad had always suspected it was from a family friend. Last year, Dad died.

Mom came to me and revealed it wasn’t from a friend. Not even close.

She sat on the couch, holding a cup of tea with both hands, shaking just slightly. “It was from your brother’s real father,” she said quietly.

I blinked. “My what?”

“You were too young to remember,” she said. “But before I met your dad… Continues…