She picked up a picture of Michael.
“Do you think Grandpa would be proud of me?”
Emma felt her throat tighten.
“I know he would.”
“He always said I could do whatever I put my mind to.”
“He believed that.”
Sophie smiled at the photograph.
“I wish he were here.”
“So do I.”
They stood together for a moment.
Then Sophie turned toward her mother.
“Can I ask you something about his letter?”
“Of course.”
“Do you wish he'd told you sooner?”
Emma took a breath.
“Yes.”
“Even if it would have upset you?”
“Yes.”
Sophie looked thoughtful.
“Why?”
“Because I would have had the chance to decide what to do with the information. Even if I had chosen not to contact Helena, the decision would have belonged to me.”
Sophie nodded slowly.
“I've been thinking about that.”
“What have you been thinking?”
“That maybe Grandpa made a mistake because he loved you and was afraid. But that doesn't mean we have to make the same mistake.”
