“She was sleeping.”
“She became very sick after the babies were born.”
“Is she going to wake up?”
“The doctors are trying to help her.”
Lily studied him.
“What else?”
Daniel looked at the letter.
Then at the seven-year-old child standing barefoot in his coat.
“It says I’m your father.”
Lily did not react immediately.
She glanced toward Maria, perhaps checking whether the adults had begun playing a strange game.
“I said I don’t have a daddy.”
“I know.”
“Mommy said my daddy didn’t know about me.”
“She was right.”
“Are you sure?”
Daniel unfolded the old photograph.
“I am sure we need a test before anyone makes legal decisions. But I knew your mother. And the dates match.”
Lily stared at him.
Then she asked the only question that mattered to her.
“Will you leave?”
“No.”
The answer came without hesitation.
She stepped forward and touched the silver name badge clipped to his shirt.
