What Rebecca Wanted Them to Know
Chapter 14 - What Rebecca Wanted Them to Know
Daniel read Rebecca's final letter privately with Sophie and Ben.
Jonathan waited outside.
When Daniel eventually opened the door, his eyes were swollen.
Sophie held his hand.
Ben carried the letter.
Daniel gave Jonathan permission to read it.
Rebecca apologized.
Not for leaving.
For deciding alone.
She wrote that fear had convinced her love meant protecting people without giving them a choice.
She knew now that she had been wrong.
Daniel deserved the truth.
Her father deserved the truth.
Her children deserved a family built on honesty rather than secrets.
Then came the lines that broke Jonathan.
Dad,
You spent your whole life trying to make sure nothing bad happened to me.
But you taught me something more important without realizing it.
When something bad happens, we survive by staying together.
I forgot that.
Please don't make my mistake.
Daniel read the final paragraph aloud.
If Daniel comes home, let him be their father.
And Dad, please stay.
They will need both of you.
Jonathan cried openly.
No embarrassment.
No restraint.
Sophie hugged him.
Then Daniel did something neither man expected.
He hugged Jonathan too.
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For the first time, they were not grieving separately.
They were a family grieving together.
