The answer came days later.
A courier envelope arrived with my name typed neatly on the front.
Inside was a single letter. I recognized Troy’s handwriting immediately.
I need you to know this plainly: I lied to you, and I chose to.
He explained that he’d been receiving medical treatment. Not local. Not simple. He was afraid that once he said it out loud, he’d become my responsibility instead of my partner.
So he paid for rooms. Moved money. Answered badly. And when I asked him directly, he still didn’t tell me.
That was wrong.
You did nothing wrong. You made your decision with the truth you had. I hope one day that brings you peace.
I loved you the best way I knew how.
I didn’t cry right away.
I sat there, the paper in my hands, letting the words settle.
He had lied. That hadn’t changed. But now I understood the shape of it.
If only he’d let me in.
I folded the letter, placed it back in the envelope, and sat there thinking about a man I’d known and loved my entire life—and lost twice.
Source: amomama.com
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered. Any resemblance is coincidental. The author and publisher disclaim accuracy, liability, and responsibility for interpretations or reliance. All images are for illustration purposes only.
