I nodded.
She started crying immediately. “I’m so sorry.”
Then she looked at Leo.
“Oh my God… you look just like him.”
The box was upstairs.
Old. Dusty. Too full.
Letters stacked in bundles. My name written over and over in handwriting I hadn’t seen in eighteen years.
My legs gave out before I could stop myself.
Leo dropped beside me.
I opened the first letter.
I didn’t leave you. I’m trying to come back.
The second:
My mother says you hate me. I don’t believe her.
The third:
If it’s a boy, I hope he laughs like you do.
My hand flew to my mouth.
“Mom…?” Leo whispered.
