I stood in Grandma's room, surrounded by the familiar scent of her perfume and the memories we had shared. After the burial, I had come back here to feel close to her, to remember the laughter, the tears, and the countless moments we had shared.
As I sat on her bed, my eyes fell on the drawer where she kept her important stuff. I remembered the letter she had mentioned in her note, the one she wanted me to read after her funeral. I opened the drawer, my heart racing with anticipation, and found the letter folded neatly inside.
I unfolded the letter, my hands trembling as I began to read.
My dearest Avery,
If you are reading this, then I am gone. I know I never mentioned your dad, and that's because I was angry. He broke your mother's heart and married someone else. Though, a year after her death, he sent me a letter apologizing, saying he did it to protect her.
His parents had arranged a marriage for him, and when he refused because he loved your mom, they threatened to cut him off. He wasn't moved, but then they threatened to cause harm to your mom and me. He knew they weren't bluffing because he knew what they were capable of.
I wrote back to him and told him that your mom was late, but I didn't mention you. I was scared he would take you from me. I know I was selfish, but you were my only family, and I just couldn't let you go.
A few days ago, I wrote to him and told him about you. I know if he gets the letter, he will come for you. Please go with him, Avery. You deserve a chance at a better life.
With all my love,
Grandma
I finished reading the letter, my eyes welling up with tears. I felt a mix of emotions - shock, anger, sadness, and confusion. Why had Grandma kept this secret from me? Why had she never told me about my dad?
As I stood there, trying to process everything, I heard a knock at the door. I wiped my tears, wondering who it could be. I wasn't expecting anyone.
I opened the door, and my heart skipped a beat. A tall, handsome, elderly-looking man in his late forties, wearing an expensive black suit, stood at the door. His green eyes, identical to mine, sparkled with a mix of curiosity and sadness.
"Can I help you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
The man looked at me, his eyes scanning my face, taking in every detail. "Avery?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
I nodded, feeling a shiver run down my spine. Who was this man?
I am Richard Windsor he said and
" I am your father," he said, his words like a thunderclap in my mind.
I stumbled backward, feeling like I'd been punched in the gut. My father?