I Left Home at Nineteen — And Returned Ten Years Later

As he grew, he became thoughtful and curious, always asking questions about the world and about our family. Whenever he asked about his grandparents, I gave gentle answers but avoided the full story. I told myself I was protecting him, but deep down I knew I was protecting my own old wounds too.

On Leo’s tenth birthday, he made a wish out loud. He wanted to meet the grandparents he had never seen. His eyes were hopeful, and I realized he deserved the chance to know where he came from.

So I packed a small suitcase, took a long drive back to the town I had once fled, and stood before the door of my parents’ home.

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