I Always Gave a Few Dollars to a Homeless Man on My Way to Work — on Christmas Eve, He Said, ‘Don’t Go Home Today…There’s Something You Don’t Know!’

He reached into his coat again and pulled out a smaller, clean envelope.

My name was written on the front in Evan’s handwriting.

My chest seized.

“He gave me this when the doctors said there weren’t many options left,” Robert said. “Told me to give it to you when… they came looking.”

I opened it with trembling hands.

Inside was a single page.

Claire,

If you’re reading this, I didn’t get to say it to your face, and I’m sorry.

There is a boy who shares my blood.

He was born long before I met you.

I didn’t know for certain he existed until I was already sick.

I didn’t tell you because I was afraid of breaking you when you were already carrying me.

I never cheated on you.

I never stopped loving you.

I hoped I’d have time to explain and to bring this to you gently, together.

I ran out of time.

If you can open your heart to him, I will be grateful.

If you can’t, I will still be grateful for every day I was your husband.

You were my home.

I love you.

Evan

By the end, my vision was completely blurred.

I pressed the letter to my chest.

“He should’ve told me,” I whispered.

Robert nodded.

“He should have,” he said.

“He was wrong about that. But he wasn’t running around with a second family. Just… trying to protect you and a kid at the same time, and doing it badly.”

I wiped my face with my sleeve.

“What do they want from me?” I asked, nodding at the papers.

“Right now?” Robert said.

“To know if anyone on his father’s side cares. The boy’s mother died. There’s no one else stepping in.”

I looked at the photo again.

The boy’s half-smile.

Those eyes.

There was a phone number at the top of one letter.

I pulled out my phone.

“You don’t have to call,” Robert said softly.

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