Then I handed the letter to the director.
For the first time in thirteen years, I waited without trying to control the outcome.
Three days later, Marianne called.
I almost didn’t recognize her voice.
“Chloe and Sophie read your letter,” she said.
My heart began to pound.
“What did they say?”
“They said they might be willing to speak with you.”
I closed my eyes.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. They made that decision.”
“I understand.”
“No, Adrian. Listen carefully. This is not a second chance for you to become the father you imagined yourself being. They are not little girls waiting for someone to rescue them. They have a life. They have goals. They have each other.”
“I know.”
“And if you hurt them, I will not hesitate to cut off contact.”
“You have every right to protect them.”
She was silent for a moment.
“There’s one more thing you should know. They don’t want you to pay for their education.”
