I Raised My Best Friend’s Son – 12 Years Later, My Wife Told Me, ‘Your Son Is Hiding a Big Secret from You’

And when I was scared and alone and needed him most, he just turned his back and walked away like we meant nothing. I told everyone he died because I was ashamed.

I didn’t want people to judge you or treat you differently. I wanted you to grow up loved, not pitied.

I know his name, but that’s all. He didn’t leave us anything else.

But, baby, none of this is your fault. You’re good. You’re pure.

You’re mine. And I love you more than anything I’ve ever had in this world.

There’s something else, sweetheart. I’m sick.

The doctors say I don’t have much time left.

I’m recording this now because I want you to know the truth someday, when you’re old enough to understand. I’m hiding it in your bunny because I know you’ll keep him safe.”

I couldn’t stop crying as Nora’s final words reached across time to comfort her son.

The screen went black.

I sat there frozen, tears streaming down my face.

Nora was dying. She’d known her time was running out even before the accident took her. And she’d carried that burden alone, just like she’d carried so many others.

We found Leo curled up in his bed.

When he saw us standing in the doorway, his eyes went straight to the bunny in Amelia’s hands. His face drained of all color.

“No,” he whispered, sitting up fast. “Please, no.

Don’t…”

Amelia held the flash drive gently. “Sweetheart, we found this.”

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