Ruth's Final Recording
Chapter 10 - Ruth's Final Recording
Laura found something else in Ruth's belongings.
An old voice recorder.
On it was a message.
Ruth had recorded it weeks before she died.
Laura and Emily listened first.
Then Emily brought it to Frank.
Ruth's voice was weak.
“I did what I believed was necessary.”
She admitted telling Frank the baby died.
She admitted hiding his letters.
She said Laura was too young and frightened to make good decisions.
Then she said something unexpected.
“I thought Frank would destroy them.”
A pause.
“But perhaps I destroyed something too.”
Frank closed his eyes.
There was no full apology.
No perfect redemption.
Just doubt arriving too late.
Emily turned off the recording.
“Do you hate her?”
Frank thought about it.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because she's dead.”
Emily frowned.
Frank continued.
“Hating her won't give me eighteen years back.”
Emily looked at him.
“What will?”
“Nothing.”
That answer made her cry.
Frank held out his arms.
He did not move closer.
Emily chose.
She stepped into them.
It was the first time Frank hugged his daughter.
May you like
He had waited eighteen years.
He did not let go until she did.
