Facing the Truth
Marcus sank into a chair, his hands clasped tightly together. “Why didn’t she tell me?”
Thomas looked away, his jaw clenched. “I couldn’t. She was unpredictable, especially with her illness. I had to protect you, Emma.”
“Protect me?” I echoed, anger bubbling up. “By destroying my mother and keeping me in the dark?”
“She was a liability,” Thomas snapped. “With her instability and your father’s disapproval, it was easier to sever ties.”
Marcus’s voice broke through the tension. “That’s not the way to handle it. She deserved better.”
Thomas’s eyes hardened. “Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. I did what was necessary.”
I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “Necessary? By lying and withholding the truth?”
“I did what I thought was right,” he said, his voice softening slightly. “But maybe I was wrong.”
I looked at Marcus, whose face reflected a similar pain. “We have to find her, Dad. She deserves to be remembered.”
Thomas sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. “Fine. I’ll help you. But we need to proceed carefully. The past is a delicate matter.”
