With shaking fingers, Amelia opened her laptop, and I plugged the drive in. There was only one file—a video.
When I hit play, the screen came to life.
And suddenly, Nora was there.
My breath caught. She looked exhausted, her hair pulled back in a messy knot, dark circles under her eyes. But her smile was soft. And the moment she spoke, I knew she wasn’t speaking to me.
She was speaking to Leo.
“Hi, my sweet boy,” Nora whispered. “If you’re watching this someday, I need you to know the truth. And I need you to forgive me. There’s something about your father I never had the courage to say out loud.
Baby, your father is alive. He didn’t die, like I told everyone. He knew I was pregnant with you, knew from the very beginning, but he didn’t want to be a father. He didn’t want you, didn’t want me… didn’t want any of it.
And when I was scared and alone and needed him most, he just turned his back and walked away like we meant nothing. I told everyone he died because I was ashamed. I didn’t want people to judge you or treat you differently. I wanted you to grow up loved, not pitied.
I know his name, but that’s all. He didn’t leave us anything else. But, baby, none of this is your fault. You’re good. You’re pure. You’re mine. And I love you more than anything I’ve ever had in this world.
There’s something else, sweetheart. I’m sick. The doctors say I don’t have much time left.
I’m recording this now because I want you to know the truth someday, when you’re old enough to understand. I’m hiding it in your bunny because I know you’ll keep him safe.”
I couldn’t hold back my tears as Nora’s final message reached through time, wrapping her son in love and reassurance.
“If Uncle Ollie is the one loving you now, then that’s exactly where you belong,” she said softly. “Trust him, sweetheart. Let him care for you. He’s your family, and he will never leave you. I’m so sorry I won’t be there to watch you grow, but please remember this—you were wanted. You were loved. And you always will be.”
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