When Scott, my son, brought a girl home for the first time, I recognized her immediately. What was supposed to be a joyful meeting turned into a nightmare when I realized who she really was. Now I must destroy their relationship to keep the secret I’ve been hiding all these years.
My son Scott never told me about his girlfriends. I began to wonder if he had any and if he even liked girls, given that we live in a modern world where anything is possible.
I often asked myself, “Is Scott hiding something? Is he too focused on his studies or work to think about dating?” But one day, Scott started talking about a girl he was communicating with.
My husband Michael and I were shocked because it was the first time we had heard anything like this from Scott.
“One night, I got drunk in a bar and spent the night with a stranger,” I continued, my eyes welling up with tears. “A few weeks later, I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t know what to do. I felt so lost and alone.”
“Three months later, Michael called me. He said he had been washed ashore in another country and was in a coma, which is why no one could find him. He said he’d be back in six months.”
“I couldn’t bear to lose Michael because I loved him so much. So, when I gave birth, I gave the child up for adoption. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. And I never told anyone about this.”
“It was a girl, and she had the same birthmark on her neck as you, Kira,” I finished my story. Tears streamed down my face the entire time I told them. “I don’t expect you to forgive me for abandoning you,” I added, my voice breaking.
Kira looked at me with wide eyes. “I never felt abandoned. I had a good family, but right now, I feel my life is falling apart,” she said, her voice trembling.
Scott’s face was red with anger. “I can’t believe this. I can’t believe you hid this all this time. And you didn’t even want to tell us! You just wanted me to break up with Kira so no one would know what you did!” he shouted, his voice echoing in the room.
“I know, I’m sorry,” I said, my tears flowing freely now. I could see the pain in their eyes, and it crushed me.
Scott shook his head, his eyes filled with hurt. “I don’t think something like this can be forgiven,” he said, then turned and left the house. Kira followed him, tears in her eyes.
I looked at Michael, who had been silent the whole time. “Say something!” I yelled at him, desperate for some support.
Michael’s face was cold. “I’m filing for divorce,” he said quietly, and then he, too, left the house.
I collapsed on the couch and began to cry even harder. In one evening, I lost everyone I cared about. In one evening, my life fell apart. The weight of my actions crushed me, and I didn’t know how I would ever put the pieces back together.
