Evan Masters, a fourteen-year-old, never understood why his father disliked him so much. Unlike his father’s affection for his younger siblings, Evan received only coldness and indifference. His mother, Christine, was a loving and supportive presence, but Evan often felt that her warmth couldn’t fully compensate for his father’s rejection.

One day, Evan saw a homeless man on his street—a rare sight in their affluent neighborhood. Two of his schoolmates, Greg and Halston, were taunting the man. Unable to tolerate their behavior, Evan intervened, telling them to leave the man alone. Grateful, the homeless man introduced himself as Max and thanked Evan before continuing on his way.

The next day, Evan’s fifteenth birthday, was filled with the usual party preparations. Despite the fuss over his younger siblings, Evan kept to himself, bracing for another disappointment. When the doorbell rang, Evan was surprised to see the homeless man, Max, standing outside.

Max held out a gold locket as a gift. Evan hesitated but was taken aback when he saw a photo inside: it was of his mother in a wedding dress and a younger version of Max. Shocked, Evan called for his mother.

Christine arrived at the door and recognized Max immediately. She burst into tears and embraced him. It was revealed that Max was actually Peter, Christine’s first husband, who was thought to be dead. Jacob, Evan’s father, had lied about Peter’s death, claiming he drowned on a fishing trip. In reality, Jacob had left Peter at a hospital after a head injury had caused amnesia.

Christine confronted Jacob, revealing his deceit and the pain it had caused. Jacob’s anger and denial were palpable, but Christine decided to leave him. She took her children and Peter, moving out of their luxurious home to start anew.

With the compensation Jacob’s lawyers offered to avoid criminal charges, Christine and Peter began a new life together with their children. Evan finally experienced the happy family life he had always dreamed of.