Michael’s chest heaved as anger and grief battled inside him. He thought of the envelopes, the toys for Emily, the quiet support that had steadied his family while he fought abroad. Each clue now felt less like a rival’s trespass and more like a father’s silent apology.
He dropped into a chair, burying his face in his hands. Memories of slammed doors and words spat in fury churned through him. For years, he had believed his father had abandoned him. But now, the truth whispered a painful question—had he been the one to walk away?