My name is Jenna. My mom raised me on her own because my dad left right after I was born. Years later, out of nowhere, he suddenly reached out to me. He texted, “You should know that I always loved you. I need to explain everything.”

I didn’t reply. I ignored the message. But to my surprise, my mom actually begged me to talk to him. She said softly, “It wasn’t his fault because it was my family who pushed him out of our lives. I was young and scared, and I let them.”

That was the first time I’d ever heard her say anything like that. It turns out my mom’s family had decided my dad wasn’t good enough for her. She told me he struggled with anxiety and other health issues, and he couldn’t hold down a steady job. Things became really difficult back then, and her family agreed to help her—but only on one condition: she had to cut him off completely.

They thought they were doing what was best for my future. Now, years later, they’re filled with regret. My dad had been living abroad all this time, but now he’s come back, hoping to reconnect with me.

I understand where everyone is coming from—I really do. But the truth is, I grew up without a father. I spent my whole life being told stories that made me believe he simply didn’t care. I was constantly lied to about who he was and why he left.

And now, suddenly, I’m expected to just accept him because no one’s standing in the way anymore? What about my feelings? What about all the years I spent without him?

It feels like everyone just wants me to forget the past and open my heart to someone who was never there for me. I’m scared to let him in. Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. I don’t know how to trust him or how to build a connection after so many lost years. It just feels unfair.