The older man’s eyes filled.
Adrian apparently loved fishing as a child.
Adrian barely ate.
Vanessa watched him more than she watched me.
After dinner, the boys went downstairs with younger relatives.
I made sure they wanted to.
Noah immediately found a game table.
Lucas discovered a telescope.
Ethan wandered toward a shelf full of old military photographs.
Miles stayed near Adrian’s father because the older man asked to see his sketchbook.
Then I went into the library.
Adrian followed.
Vanessa came too.
His parents remained.
I placed my old file box on the table.
Adrian stared.
“What is that?”
“Eight years.”
I removed the first ultrasound.
Four sacs.
Four heartbeats.
Date visible.
Then the specialist report.
High-order multiple pregnancy.
Then emails.
Adrian, please call me. This is real. There are four.
No response.
His jaw tightened.
Then correspondence from his attorney.
He read the words slowly.
Unsupported pregnancy claims.
