The truth landed heavily between us.
He inhaled shakily.
“I kept telling myself it wasn’t that bad.”
“That’s what people always tell themselves.”
Another silence.
Then Ethan whispered:
“When Mom and Dad died, you were the brave one.”
I felt tears gathering unexpectedly.
“You were seventeen.”
He continued.
“You joined the Army. You built a life. You became someone extraordinary.”
His voice broke completely.
“And I let my wife convince me you were a burden.”
For the first time, I heard genuine regret.
Not embarrassment.
Not guilt over being caught.
