{"id":23022,"date":"2026-11-06T15:06:26","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T15:06:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=23022"},"modified":"2026-11-06T15:06:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T15:06:26","slug":"my-brother-and-i-were-adopted-as-kids-but-20-years-later","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=23022","title":{"rendered":"My brother and I were adopted as kids, but 20 years later,"},"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=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talking<\/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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">real<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breathing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">real<\/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=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biological<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/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=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contacting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">About<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eight<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.<\/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=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay<\/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=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listen?\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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choice.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reminded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.\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=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">numb.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">accidentally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knocked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/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=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decorative<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glass<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ornament<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">floor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shattered.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">voices<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/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=\"\">\u201cWho\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">run.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">move.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seconds<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">smile<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">vanished<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/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=\"\">\u201cWesley?\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=\"\">flowers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/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=\"\">\u201cHappy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday,\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=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bouquet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/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=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there?\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=\"\">\u201cLong<\/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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/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=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/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=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">\u201cWho<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">real<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother?\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=\"\">Neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/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=\"\">\u201cGwendolyn,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.\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=\"\">folded<\/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=\"\">\u201cThis<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/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=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years?\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=\"\">\u201cLower<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice!\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=\"\">but<\/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=\"\">happiness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/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=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/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=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unwanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children.\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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rolled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">\u201cOh,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">victim.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roof<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">food.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed.\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=\"\">\u201cEverything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">except<\/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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWesley,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cPlease<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/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=\"\">what\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGwendolyn,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/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=\"\">\u201cStay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mother!\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=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Wesley.\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.\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=\"\">That\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">impossible.\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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal\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=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biological<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">very<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">support,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything.\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=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back?\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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/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=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/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=\"\">older.\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=\"\">Gwendolyn.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">that<\/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=\"\">She<\/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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/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=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biological<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">challenge<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adoption.\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=\"\">sick.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do?\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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exploded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEnough!<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you!<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you!<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home!<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want?\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=\"\">\u201cThe<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">poor,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepted<\/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=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">punched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/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=\"\">\u201cHow<\/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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars.\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=\"\">believe<\/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=\"\">hearing.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">paid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear?\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=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/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=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desperate!\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=\"\">in<\/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=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">close<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn\u2019s<\/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=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handbag.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see.\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=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/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=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwritten<\/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 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">precious<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons.<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/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=\"\">\u201cHer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.\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=\"\">knees<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span><\/p>\n<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><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">piece<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">address<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here.\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=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/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=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/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=\"\">Now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proof<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">along.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flowers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">present.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rejected<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/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=\"\">answered<\/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=\"\">\u201cHey,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brother.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">How<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go?\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=\"\">\u201cWesley?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">What\u2019s<\/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=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">\u201cGrant,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives.\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=\"\">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=\"\">he<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/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=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">resting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passenger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seat.<\/span><\/p>\n<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\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">real<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.\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=\"\">Another<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">real<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\u201d<\/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=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">3<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">MOTHER<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">WHO<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">NEVER<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">STOPPED<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">WAITING<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apartment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">less<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">minutes<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knock.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">straight<\/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> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/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=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/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=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/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=\"\">He<\/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=\"\">picture.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/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=\"\">\u201cMy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">precious<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons.\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=\"\">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=\"\">\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=\"\">\u201cHer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor.\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=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/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=\"\">\u201cGrandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/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> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">himself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opposite<\/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=\"\">\u201cNo.\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=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself.\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=\"\">Wesley.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us,<\/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=\"\">actually<\/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=\"\">us?\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">covered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">stood<\/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=\"\">\u201cGive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">address.\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=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">car<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keys.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cLet\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go.\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=\"\">drive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/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=\"\">Every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mile<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgotten<\/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=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognize<\/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=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/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=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anymore?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">misunderstood?<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/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=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mirror<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">address,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">white<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">full<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roses.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chime<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hanging<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">engine.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">moved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/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=\"\">\u201cNo.\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=\"\">\u201cMe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither.\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=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/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=\"\">front<\/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=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knock,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">late<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forties<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">gray<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">show<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dark<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hair.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tired,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wore<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweater.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/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=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lips<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parted.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grabbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doorframe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWesley?\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=\"\">move.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Grant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGrant?\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=\"\">brother<\/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=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">covered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">\u201cMy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">babies.\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=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">step<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/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=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.<\/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=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hug<\/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=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">destroyed<\/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=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <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=\"\">meeting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/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=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/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=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/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=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hug<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?\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=\"\">broke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">cried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/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=\"\">die<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">safe.\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">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=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">minutes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pictures<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">babies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Others<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pictures<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cakes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trees,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faces<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strangely<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pointed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">these?\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=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wiped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandmother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">send<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters.\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=\"\">slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?\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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heartbreaking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadness.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wooden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cabinet<\/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=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">large<\/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=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/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=\"\">Dozens<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unopened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Others<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stamps,<\/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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">send<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adoptive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">address<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once.\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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/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=\"\">\u201cGwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door.<\/span> <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=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/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=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\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=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">\u201cHow?\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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eight<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.<\/span> <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=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saying.\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/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=\"\">She<\/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=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threatened<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span> <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<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voluntarily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surrendered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parental<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rights.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lawyer.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jobs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/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=\"\">She<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/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=\"\">fought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worse<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">really<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">five<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars?\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=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">borrowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-two,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Wesley.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">babies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nowhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">safe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">live.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/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=\"\">older.\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=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">believed<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/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=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">card<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shelf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/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=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">date<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/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=\"\">She<\/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=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/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=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unwanted.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">blamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ourselves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">word,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">punishment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembering<\/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=\"\">Someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Eleanor<\/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<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.\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=\"\">around.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOur<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father?\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cRaymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/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=\"\">adopted<\/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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/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=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/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=\"\">adopted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reason<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">able<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay<\/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=\"\">She<\/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=\"\">box<\/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=\"\">another<\/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=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">recognized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">handwriting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/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=\"\">\u201cRaymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shortly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/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=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/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.\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=\"\">unfolded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fill<\/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 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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys,<\/span> <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=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">able<\/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=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself.<\/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=\"\">reading<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovered<\/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=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood.<\/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=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">4<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">RAYMOND\u2019S<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">LAST<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PROMISE<\/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=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly.<\/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=\"\">dear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Wesley<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant,<\/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=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/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=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved.<\/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=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discussed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adopting<\/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=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">challenges.<\/span> <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=\"\">knew<\/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=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/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=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biological<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adoption<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finalized.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frightened,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struggling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financially,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desperately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future.<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandon<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/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=\"\">stopped<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/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=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">continued.<\/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=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/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=\"\">separated,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day,<\/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=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from.<\/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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/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=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noticed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">increasingly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whenever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mentioned.<\/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=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">death<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/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=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happens,<\/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=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adopted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">less<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">having<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complicated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">less<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">valuable.<\/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=\"\">chose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/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=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/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=\"\">Love,<\/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=\"\">Dad.<\/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=\"\">By<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finished,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew,\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=\"\">Eleanor<\/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=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protect<\/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=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ten.\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=\"\">\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=\"\">us?\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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">tried.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calls.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visited,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threatened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">removed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tiny<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">connection<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left.\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/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=\"\">\u201cTwenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.\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=\"\">she<\/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=\"\">\u201cTwenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthdays.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmases.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\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=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/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=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pull<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away,<\/span> <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=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">either.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">Forgiveness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/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=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">favorite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toys,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fall<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asleep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrots.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">airplanes.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blanket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">share.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">point,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fight<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop.\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/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=\"\">\u201cSome<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change.\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=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reclaim.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">again?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Then<\/span> <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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cTomorrow?\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=\"\">face<\/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=\"\">\u201cTomorrow?\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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">catch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaving.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">car,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noticed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passenger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seat.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evidence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/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=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">5<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">CONFRONTATION<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flowers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">presents.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">carrying<\/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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here?\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk.\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=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.\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=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sighed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dramatically<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/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=\"\">\u201cI\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/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=\"\">\u201cMother,<\/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=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ignored<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee<\/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=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glanced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">expression<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/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=\"\">\u201cFrom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor.\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=\"\">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=\"\">Gwendolyn\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jaw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<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\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/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=\"\">\u201cYes,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crossed<\/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=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">manipulating<\/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=\"\">almost<\/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=\"\">\u201cManipulating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/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=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\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=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">poor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">care<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children!\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=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home!\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=\"\">Grant<\/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=\"\">\u201cDad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">burden.\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=\"\">Gwendolyn\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reddened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDon\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">compare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond!\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<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.\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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/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=\"\">\u201cGwendolyn,<\/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=\"\">rest.\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=\"\">adoptive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sharply.<\/span><\/p>\n<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<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell.\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=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is.\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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deep<\/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=\"\">\u201cRaymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys.<\/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=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">education<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future.\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money?\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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">savings<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adults.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">household!\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=\"\">much?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">remember.\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=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records?\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=\"\">refused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ashamed.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">use<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expenses.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interfere.\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=\"\">Grant\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hardened.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew?\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=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/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=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?\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=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/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=\"\">moment.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bitterly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFine.\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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRaymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adoption<\/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=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happy.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/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=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anymore.\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=\"\">chest<\/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=\"\">She<\/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=\"\">\u201cEvery<\/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=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there.\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=\"\">Grant\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=\"\">\u201cSo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?\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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">unhappiness<\/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=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fault.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">once.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">punish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">control.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">us,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hate<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">use<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excuse.\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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">genuinely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ashamed.<\/span><\/p>\n<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<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">best.\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easiest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yourself.\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=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deep<\/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=\"\">\u201cWe\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scream<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/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=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/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=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back?\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=\"\">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=\"\">don\u2019t<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/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=\"\">\u201cAfter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/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=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">moment.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\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=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <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=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaving,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRaymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/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=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adopted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difference.\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=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.<\/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=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">6<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FAMILY<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">WE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">NEVER<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">KNEW<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">WE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">HAD<\/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=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">People<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/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=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\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=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">painful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memories,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adoption<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paperwork<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">savings<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contacted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lawyer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">review<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adoption<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">investigate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">funds<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">improperly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">process<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">determining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recovered.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">none<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mattered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awkward.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressured<\/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=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lunch,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accidentally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">froze.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom?\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embarrassed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSorry.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.\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=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">\u201cNever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom<\/span> <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><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">careers,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">friends,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">built.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struggles,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrifices,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hoping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/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=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Sunday,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tiny<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweaters,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worn-out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blanket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/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=\"\">\u201cIs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blanket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">share?\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sleep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">floor,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pieces<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Eleanor<\/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=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adults.\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n<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?\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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taller<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected.\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=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stomachs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">kind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ordinary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Meanwhile,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Opal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calling.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">apologized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\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=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologies.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">Eventually,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">older<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">may<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,\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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stirred<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">us?\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=\"\">sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">losing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter.\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=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother?\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">erase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandma,\u201d<\/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=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">takes<\/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=\"\">She<\/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<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve.\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=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speaking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">occasionally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgiven,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/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=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">control<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/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><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">As<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">messages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Others<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reminders<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposedly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrificed.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">respond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">answered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">deserved<\/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=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">peace.<\/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=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">7<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">BIRTHDAY<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THAT<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">CHANGED<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">EVERYTHING<\/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=\"\">One<\/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=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">overheard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">planned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">special.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Eleanor\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprise<\/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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">early<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cake.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">white<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lilies.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">flowers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/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=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confused.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">early?\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=\"\">Grant<\/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=\"\">birthday,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.\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=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flowers.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">birthday.\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=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/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=\"\">\u201cOh,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys.\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=\"\">decorated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">balloons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/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=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pictures<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visits,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/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=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <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=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cake.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">candles<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">wish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for.\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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arm<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/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=\"\">\u201cWish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sundays.\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easy.\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=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">candles.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">dinner,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">picture<\/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=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">Underneath,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apart.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lifetime<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ahead.<\/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=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frame<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/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=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forever,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/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=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stayed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clean<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cups<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tea.<\/span><\/p>\n<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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something?\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=\"\">\u201cAnything.\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=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">regret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adopted<\/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=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pain,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loneliness,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unwanted.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">answered<\/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.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful.\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=\"\">Eleanor<\/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=\"\">wish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/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=\"\">\u201cSo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I.\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=\"\">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=\"\">held<\/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=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.\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=\"\">squeezed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/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=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dishes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sink.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">counter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Flowers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/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=\"\">Nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">extraordinary.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">yet,<\/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=\"\">happiest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known.<\/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=\"\">FINAL<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">LAST<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">LETTER<\/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=\"\">Three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope<\/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=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">curiosity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">got<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">handwritten<\/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=\"\">Wesley,<\/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=\"\">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><\/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=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nights<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">run<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond.<\/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=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lonely.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">world<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/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=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fault.<\/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=\"\">also<\/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=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roof<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">food.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">safe.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved.<\/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=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor.<\/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=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/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=\"\">cannot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">undo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.<\/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=\"\">Gwendolyn.<\/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=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">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=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/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=\"\">believe<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feels<\/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=\"\">\u201cDoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/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=\"\">And<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rush<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">uncomfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">older.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shorter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quieter.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrificed.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">simply<\/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=\"\">doing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/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=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">project<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">design<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contract.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hour,<\/span> <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=\"\">ordinary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">consider<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again?\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=\"\">Grant<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/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=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earn.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond\u2019s<\/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=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor\u2019s<\/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=\"\">Love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">erase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reason<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">build<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better.<\/span><\/p>\n<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<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">try,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same.\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=\"\">Gwendolyn<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hug<\/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=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/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=\"\">Maybe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Maybe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">restaurant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/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=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">okay?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">free.\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=\"\">\u201cFree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/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=\"\">\u201cFrom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unwanted.\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=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arm<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/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=\"\">\u201cYeah.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are.\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=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garden,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roses.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/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=\"\">\u201cHello,<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">weather.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">neighbors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">latest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">project.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">flowers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">growing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fence.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/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=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">white<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lilies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Gwendolyn\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flowers<\/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=\"\">passenger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seat.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rejection.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\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=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">impossible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrifice.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">named<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Raymond<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">damaged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bitterness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">destroy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">end<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Today,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grant<\/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=\"\">visit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eleanor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">celebrate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthdays<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">argue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wash<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dishes.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">sometimes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kneel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say:<\/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=\"\">never<\/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=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">burden.<\/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=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">along.<\/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=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yet.<\/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=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">greatest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lesson<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this:<\/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=\"\">Family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/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=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">live.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It\u2019s<\/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=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/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=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belong.<\/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 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes,<\/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=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">very<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgotten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/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 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>What was she talking about? Grandma Opal lowered her voice. \u201cWhat about their real mother? Have you heard anything from her?\u201d I stopped breathing. Their &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21738,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,15,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23022","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\/23022","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=23022"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23022\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23023,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23022\/revisions\/23023"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21738"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}