{"id":22902,"date":"2026-11-03T16:46:39","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T16:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=22902"},"modified":"2026-11-03T16:46:39","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T16:46:39","slug":"i-was-leaving-my-boyfriend-for-refusing-to-propose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=22902","title":{"rendered":"I was leaving my boyfriend for refusing to propose,"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sick<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">treatment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">during<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tighten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrificing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">child<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tilt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">born<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cLily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breathe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stories,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mention<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drowning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grief.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">along,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">defined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tragedy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">backed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">erased<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quickly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memories<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">live<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cA<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">papers,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shelves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Thirty-five?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flinched.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">running<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">won\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jacket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">velvet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">diamond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">purchased<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">panic.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carefully<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chosen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">timeless,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">impossibly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">familiar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shaky<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">married<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">build<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">covered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wooden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cabinet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refrigerator,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">removed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trembling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tiny<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happens,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">named<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">run<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClaire,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhose?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lips<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trembled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">six<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bigger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1din3vl xkh2ocl x16ye13r xqkn89t x1vvogim   xl8spv7\" data-d-component=\"divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">3:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">LETTER,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">RING,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">AND<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">TRUTH<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">second<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rearranged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cExplain,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heavily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">premature.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">very<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sick.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doctors<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">least,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDuring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">receiving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">treatment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">born<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shortly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chill<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">move<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">close<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hours<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comforted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cracked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOne<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">empty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nursery.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survive,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clothes.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blankets.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survived.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">transferred<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mix-up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paperwork.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knees<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weaken.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alive,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">situation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complicated.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">custody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrangements,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confusion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eventually,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guardian.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">safer,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">constant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">medical<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">emergencies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grief<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surrounding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">very<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ill<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">herself.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">covered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quickly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">devastated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unbearable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">break.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWho<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lake,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">camera.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dark<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hair,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">familiar<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nose,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dimple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cheek<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whenever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Bennett.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty-seven.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Older<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Alive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">All<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wiped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">minutes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knows<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">velvet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">engagement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surrounding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honestly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bitterly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">painful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discuss<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yet.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Instead,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEvery<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">commitment.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">maybe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClaire,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unwanted.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">having<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">child.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answers,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decades<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Margaret.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">number.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognize,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">five<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cCan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fingers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trembled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dialed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rang<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHello?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHello?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClaire?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOh<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cracked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upright.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNeither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">these<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cCan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTomorrow,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhenever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sunday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baseball<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">games,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memories,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hung<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tonight,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGood.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">means<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trusting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cPut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arguing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proposal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tonight,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feeling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">married,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">freely.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">try<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cCan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTomorrow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meeting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">got<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1din3vl xkh2ocl x16ye13r xqkn89t x1vvogim   xl8spv7\" data-d-component=\"divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1603h9y xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">EPILOGUE:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">DAY<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FINALLY<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">UNDERSTOOD<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">following<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">caf\u00e9<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">near<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">river.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">searching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">built<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exchanged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">compared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memories.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">which<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">habits<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">which<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ones<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inherited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">count.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">painful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">least<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">engaged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">counseling.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">argued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">measuring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">measuring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">packed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garden.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proposal,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">familiar<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">velvet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sooner?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">build<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">makes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Six<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worst<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worst<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fragile<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proven<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waits,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expensive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promises<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proven<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">By<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choosing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anniversary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secrets<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClaire,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glanced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choosing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">All<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slipped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">onto<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finger,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">real<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xdj266r x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">4:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PROMISE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THAT<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FINALLY<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">BECAME<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">OURS<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2014<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FULL<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ENDING<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgiven<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">subject,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">which<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">betrayed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">engagement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">romantic<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sunset.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Instead,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">engagement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keeping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secrets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1c3i2sq xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meeting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Saturday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awkward.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strangers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">history,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">large<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cardboard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keeping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dozens<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bracelets,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cards,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tiny<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">softly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shortly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">born.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">younger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulder,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ink.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">To<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">May<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alone.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Distance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fact<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">getting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">second<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1c3i2sq xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">favorite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">albums<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hidden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Halfway<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fork.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThere\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stomach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tighten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOne<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">won\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistake,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reconnect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">becoming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weaker.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ashamed.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">failed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">harder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frightened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">squeezed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">losing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">healed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grieving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">versions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grieving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1c3i2sq xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">second<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressured<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">differently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upset,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">space,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bothering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sofa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">engagement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happy.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answers.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">focused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keeping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">single<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">settle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">differently?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hesitate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">defending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">himself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1c3i2sq xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">full<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">circle<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">packed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Italian<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">celebrated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anniversary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">usual<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">job,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">latest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attempt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">convince<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baseball<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">team<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">win<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">championship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClaire,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faster.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jacket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">velvet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">backward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cA<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">instead<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hiding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wonder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ordinary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mornings,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinners,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arguments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watch,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holidays,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sundays.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cClaire,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">today,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">got<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWill<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wait.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">instantly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slipped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">onto<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgotten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">move<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1c3i2sq xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">empty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">married<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">six<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">huge<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simple,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gathering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">maid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aisle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ceremony<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sewing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">darling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls,<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">If<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reading<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">close<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apart.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistakes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replacements,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgotten.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parts<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">means<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">must<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">separated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">means<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unwanted.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">share<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">history.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beyond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hold.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reading.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrapped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">empty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">row.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bouquet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">white<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roses<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">absence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stolen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">include<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ceremony<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">end<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aisle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shining.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">officiant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happiness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moments,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1c3i2sq xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anniversary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cooked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bottle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sparkling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cider,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervous<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">during<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">vows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afterward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">framed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tomorrow.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mantel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Later<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">celebrating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">treating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fine,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seeing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seeing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hung<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sofa,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noticed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHappy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anniversary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHappy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anniversary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rested<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaving?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEvery<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">differently.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">regret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">staying?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">differently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difference<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">staying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">staying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honestly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">regret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frowned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secrets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excuses,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trusting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Instead,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">although<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">live<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ahead<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hidden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cStill<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAsk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unopened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">free<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">END.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I stared at him. \u201cWhat does Mom have to do with this?\u201d He swallowed hard. \u201cYour mother knew she was sick long before she told &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21854,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,15,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22902","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family","category-inspiration","category-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22902","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22902"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22902\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22903,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22902\/revisions\/22903"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21854"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22902"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22902"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22902"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}