were looking at us.
Then June lifted her glass.
“We planned a toast for Dad.”
Applause erupted.
I couldn’t move.
Part 5 — The Letter I Never Received
June waited until the room quieted.
Then she looked at me.
“Our dad chose us every day.”
My throat tightened.
“He stayed when staying was difficult. He made sure we never grew up believing we were unwanted.”
Ava reached for June’s hand.
Then she looked toward Vanessa.
“And tonight, we need to talk about our mother too.”
The room went silent.
Claire stepped forward.
In one hand, she held a yellowed hospital envelope.
My stomach dropped.
“We found Vanessa three months ago,” she said.
I stared at them.
“You what?”
June mouthed,
Trust us.
Claire continued.
“What she told us changed something.”
She paused.
“But it didn’t change everything.”
Then she unfolded a letter.
“Dad, you need to hear this.”
She began reading.
