At the age of 13, she gave birth to a child, and 18 years later, on her daughter’s birthday, she received a letter from the hospital, after which the girl’s father confessed for the first time that he was hiding the truth

She had spent eighteen years keeping the past at a distance.

Was she really prepared to invite a part of it back into her life?

She thought of Sophie.

Her daughter deserved to know that this information existed.

But Emma did not want to place an unexpected burden on her just before her birthday and examinations.

Then she remembered what Michael had written.

I should have trusted you with the truth.

And she realized that withholding the information from Sophie would repeat the very decision that had hurt her.

“I need to tell my daughter,” Emma said.

Elisabeth nodded.

“Then begin there.”

A Conversation No Mother Can Easily Prepare For

Sophie was setting the table when Emma returned home.

She had arranged plates beside two glasses and was humming quietly to herself.

“Mum! I've been calling you.”

Emma placed her bag on the chair.

“I'm sorry. I had a lot to think about.”