{"id":23073,"date":"2026-11-08T09:20:13","date_gmt":"2026-11-08T09:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=23073"},"modified":"2026-11-08T09:20:13","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T09:20:13","slug":"i-became-a-single-mom-at-16-when-everyone-turned-their-backs-on-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=23073","title":{"rendered":"I became a single mom at 16 when everyone turned their backs on me \u2014"},"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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rubbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">\u201cPlease,<\/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=\"\">\u201cDon\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down!<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/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=\"\">happening!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shaking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">world<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bled,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">skipped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meals,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgotten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thrown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nights<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bathroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/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=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">babies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/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=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/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=\"\">Finally,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/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=\"\">\u201cSorry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pocket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">white,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slightly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crumpled,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pounding.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">is<\/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=\"\">\u201cIt\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closer<\/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=\"\">\u201cBefore<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/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=\"\">Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">haven\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dangerous.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">haven\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">involved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drugs,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stealing,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/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=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSomeone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lifted<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/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=\"\">Of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">How<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most?<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/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=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biological<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stayed,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him?\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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trembling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">middle-aged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinner<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">older,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrinkles<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/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=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">dropped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">onto<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">touched<\/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=\"\">\u201cPlease<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wiped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">online<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cThree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">break<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shaky<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/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=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">Suddenly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/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=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/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=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possible<\/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=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missing<\/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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protector,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provider,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">apparently,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">able<\/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=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contact<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stomach<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boy<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervous.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">\u201cThey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/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=\"\">weeks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/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=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/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=\"\">betray<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cYes,<\/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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOnly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quickly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shop.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">red<\/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=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/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=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bitterly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cries?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">boy<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jobs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exhausted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">barely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fevers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stayed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrapped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/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=\"\">But<\/span> <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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wiped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possibly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">backpack.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/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=\"\">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 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=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">To<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">performance,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/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=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrified.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBelieve<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/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=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents\u2019<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/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=\"\">him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strange<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coldness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spreading<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">body.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">true.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">parents?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lie?<\/span><\/p>\n<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> <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 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=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">selfish,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid.<\/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=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then.<\/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=\"\">want<\/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=\"\">that<\/span> <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=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.<\/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=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">searched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">harder.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man.<\/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=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">defend<\/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=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance<\/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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/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=\"\">My<\/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> <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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/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=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">video.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">older,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tired,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervous.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">probably<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hates<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/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=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reason<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coward.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrified<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">becoming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">influence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">He<\/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=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">video<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">married<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">built<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wiped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twin<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">camera.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.<\/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=\"\">that.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/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=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cracked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bravest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biggest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">video<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seconds,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">involved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reason<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">reason?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">black<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cWhat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silver<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">necklace<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tiny<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">engraved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">is<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/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=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">special.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cBecause,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">college<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/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=\"\">\u201cWho<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">college<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acceptance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">storage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sank.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hidden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">among<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">reminder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/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=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">notebook.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teacher.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">restaurant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">sweetheart.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">printed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">top,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">local<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">college.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Below<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">vision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blur.<\/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=\"\">Adult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Education<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Program<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Enrollment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Confirmation.<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enrolled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">program<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">saved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part-time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jobs,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cKevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">program<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">classes.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/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=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">\u201cThey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">college<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explaining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">putting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">covered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meeting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel?\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=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/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=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/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=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tall<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tiny<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">babies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whole<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">world.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needs<\/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=\"\">face-to-face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">slowly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">released<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin\u2019s<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/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=\"\">\u201cHe\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tomorrow.\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<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">3:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">MAN<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">WHO<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">WALKED<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">AWAY<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">CAME<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">BACK<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">barely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel\u2019s<\/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=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gymnasium.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">boy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">married.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">boy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">An<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology?<\/span><\/p>\n<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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entirely?<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">got<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cup<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tea<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sleep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">either?\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=\"\">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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">haunting<\/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=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/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=\"\">\u201cOf<\/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=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seeing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replace<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">married<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choices.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">competition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fighting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">falling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teaching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trusting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">following<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">preparing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breakfast<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doorbell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rang.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hands<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">\u201cI\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/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=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wiped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">towel.<\/span><\/p>\n<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\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entrance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loudly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/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=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handle.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/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=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">He<\/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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/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=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gray<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">temples.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wore<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dark<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jacket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bouquet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">white<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forever.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHello,\u201d<\/span> <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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">be<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">owe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bitterly.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flinched.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">haven\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cCome<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">entered<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/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=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grown<\/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=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crossed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">selfish.<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/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=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">create.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ruined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">move<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAfter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents\u2019<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/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=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contact<\/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=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rising<\/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=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/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=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jacket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThese<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/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=\"\">frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cLetters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/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=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/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=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cOf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAgain?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cAgain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surviving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embarrassment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/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=\"\">He<\/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=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shake.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/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=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">newborn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">babies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nights<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">electricity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">groceries.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">okay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">absolutely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">idea<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorrow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">\u201cThere\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/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=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/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=\"\">meet<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/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=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cA<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">\u201cShe\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twelve.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strange<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/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=\"\">Another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">child.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struggle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raising<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/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=\"\">\u201cDoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cYes.<\/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=\"\">recently.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/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=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">\u201cShe\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smarter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">\u201cShe<\/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=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clear.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/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=\"\">destroy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interfere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ways<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Kevin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/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=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pocket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contribution<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys\u2019<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">education.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expenses.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whatever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pushed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cPlease.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">buy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/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=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/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=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/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=\"\">He<\/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=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Finally,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">maybe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/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=\"\">turned<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/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=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choosing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/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=\"\">Those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">touched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside<\/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=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">fifteen<\/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=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/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=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">becoming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">men.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cFine.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conditions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promises<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">use<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obligated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">badly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/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=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Slowly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Honestly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanding<\/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=\"\">Daniel\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=\"\">\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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unexpected<\/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=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/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=\"\">He<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/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<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">maybe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">having<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lunch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">covered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/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=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">won\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/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=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/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=\"\">Only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prove<\/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=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">car<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">street.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/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=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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> <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=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wrapped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waist.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cThank<\/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=\"\">\u201cFor<\/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=\"\">\u201cFor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">threatened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fighting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">title.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">kissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">since<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">peace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biggest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/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=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">days<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">large<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cardboard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">middle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cwe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/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=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coming<\/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=\"\">frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks<\/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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">It<\/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=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">newborn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twins<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exhausted.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">messy.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">huge,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Underneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/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=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/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=\"\">lifetime<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.\u201d<\/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=\"\">burst<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/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=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">planned<\/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=\"\">Something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1din3vl xkh2ocl x16ye13r xqkn89t x1vvogim   xl8spv7\" data-d-component=\"divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">4:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">GIFT<\/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=\"\">\u2013<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FULL<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ENDING<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frightened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arm<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen-year-old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raise<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/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=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loves,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/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=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\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=\"\">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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cWhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cAt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contacted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">born.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">archived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">maternity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/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=\"\">\u201cWith<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">innocently.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">may<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">notebook.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOpen<\/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=\"\">did.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">page<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwritten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message.<\/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=\"\">Dear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom,<\/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=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrifices<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand.<\/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=\"\">worked<\/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=\"\">tired.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/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=\"\">sad.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/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=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">college.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complained.<\/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=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/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=\"\">spend<\/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=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreams<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended<\/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=\"\">born.<\/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=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/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=\"\">Now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">build<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yours.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continue<\/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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">onto<\/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=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cPlease<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cActually,<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">backpack.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acceptance<\/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=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acceptance<\/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=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">college<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">For<\/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=\"\">walking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">classroom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">notes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meeting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">students,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">becoming<\/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=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hoped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">real?\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=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">\u201cYes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contacted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admissions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">office.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">program<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flexible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">classes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interrupted<\/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=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saving.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cover<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enrollment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">costs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/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=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/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=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opportunities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">\u201cNow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn<\/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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">smart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smartest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/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=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">definitely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hardest-working.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">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=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/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=\"\">Hope.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tomorrow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">college<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">orientation.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">nervous.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">classroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">notebook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frightened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teenager.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">students<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ages.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">eighteen.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenties.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">older<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/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=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/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=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old?<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/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=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">failed?<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">vibrated.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah.<\/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=\"\">Mom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span 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=\"\">Go<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">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=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/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=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bag<\/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=\"\">\u201cTerrifying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/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=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">following<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">busy.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worked.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cooked.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">schoolwork.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assignments,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exams,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lectures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">studied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">late<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">homework.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">evenings<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frustrated.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">moments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quit.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">overwhelmed,<\/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=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents\u2019<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">given<\/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=\"\">And<\/span> <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=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">building<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awkward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">uncomfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappointed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reminded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showing<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">events.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthdays.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">liked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/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=\"\">And,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">importantly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervous.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">expect.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">caf\u00e9,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shyly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/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=\"\">\u201cHi.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHi.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">introduced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">himself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Within<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">minutes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">video<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">games,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">favorite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">movies.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/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=\"\">surprised<\/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=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">really<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hesitated.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/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=\"\">hugged<\/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=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important<\/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=\"\">Forgiveness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgetting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yesterday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/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=\"\">tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">innocent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twelve-year-old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/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=\"\">As<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passed,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remained<\/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=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remained<\/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=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">studied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">late.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">remained<\/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=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assignments.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">remained<\/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=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">less<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worthy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">One<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">studying<\/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><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/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=\"\">\u201cStill<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cup<\/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=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/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=\"\">tell<\/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=\"\">\u201cOf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/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=\"\">strongest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">admired<\/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=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys.<\/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=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yourself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">receive<\/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=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">depended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">squeezed<\/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=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choosing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/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=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/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=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strong<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/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=\"\">Sometimes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">semester<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">results.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">email<\/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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shaking.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">Then<\/span> <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=\"\">message<\/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=\"\">And<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">subject.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">highest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grades<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">class.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">screamed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">running<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/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=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">lifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off<\/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=\"\">\u201cYOU<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">DID<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rushing<\/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=\"\">\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=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">passed!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">screamed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clapping.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ordered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/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=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/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=\"\">\u201cCongratulations,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn.\u201d<\/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=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fill<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gratitude.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hadn\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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memories<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/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=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respected<\/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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrifices<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begun<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreams<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mattered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">graduation.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">audience,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dress<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">program.<\/span><\/p>\n<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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">students<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">celebrating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">achievements.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taking<\/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=\"\">grandparents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/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=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">row,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/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=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seats<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attend.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/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=\"\">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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everywhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">announced,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trembling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certificate,<\/span> <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=\"\">my<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clapping.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whistling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">running<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ceremony,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ran<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/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=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/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=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/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=\"\">Ethan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrapped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">did<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cYes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approached.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feet<\/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=\"\">\u201cCongratulations,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/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=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/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=\"\">ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cMaybe.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">got<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/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=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biggest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">losing<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biggest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">years.<\/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=\"\">you<\/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=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/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=\"\">our<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Ethan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/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=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologizing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">try.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">try.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Show<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/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=\"\">Later<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">celebrated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/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><\/p>\n<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=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bought<\/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=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">homemade<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">card.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Congratulations!<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brothers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Daniel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doorway<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/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=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">perhaps<\/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=\"\">beauty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/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=\"\">Sometimes<\/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=\"\">end<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/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=\"\">dreamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turns<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drawer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">wearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uniform.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">hair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tied<\/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=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shy.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">innocent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">full<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/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=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen-year-old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandoned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boyfriend.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/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=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suitcase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unborn<\/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=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wished<\/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=\"\">her<\/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=\"\">wished<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand<\/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 data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">idea<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strong<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struggle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wonder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tiny<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">babies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wonderful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">men.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOne<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worthy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">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=\"\">return<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dream<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">photograph<\/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=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/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=\"\">Kevin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couch.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/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=\"\">rested<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHappy?\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=\"\">\u201cVery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">kissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">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=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gained.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boyfriend,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meaning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loyalty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">support<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">built<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dream,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begin<\/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=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">becoming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sixteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended<\/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=\"\">Now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">very<\/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=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended<\/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=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">plans.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ahead<\/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=\"\">As<\/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=\"\">Kevin,<\/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=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon:<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">idea<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hiding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/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=\"\">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=\"\">Yes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hiding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">greatest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">college<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enrollment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reunion<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biological<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hospital<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">men<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">childhood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrifice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teaching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/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 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=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mattering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">becomes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/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=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">means<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/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=\"\">matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shown<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.<\/span><\/p>\n<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=\"\">knew,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doubt,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\">THE END.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Noah rubbed his hands together nervously. Ethan stared at the floor. Kevin took a deep breath. \u201cPlease, sit down.\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t tell me to sit down! &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-23073","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\/23073","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=23073"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23073\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23074,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23073\/revisions\/23074"}],"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=23073"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23073"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}