I listened carefully.
But I was still angry.
“So why the lie?”
My father-in-law looked ashamed.
“Because I was afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
He looked at my husband.
“Afraid that after my wife died, this family would lose the last piece of her.”
My husband finally spoke.
“Mom loved this cat. After she passed away, Dad couldn’t let go.”
I crossed my arms.
“Then why didn’t you just tell me?”
My husband’s eyes filled with regret.
“Because Dad thought you would refuse.”
“And you agreed with him?”
He looked down.
That was my answer.
I felt a painful disappointment settle in my chest.
The problem wasn’t the kitten.
The problem wasn’t even your father wanting one last connection to his late wife.
The problem was that on the first night of our marriage, my husband chose his family’s fear over my trust.
My father-in-law stood up slowly.
