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“It’s okay,” I replied. I still hadn’t told her where I really was or what the true circumstances were for my impromptu time away.
“What’s wrong,” Avery leaned into the screen, “you don’t look so good,” her voice forming a question.
My shoulders sagged as I sighed, "You won't believe the call I got from my mom today."
"Is it bad news? Is she sick?" Avery asked with a worried frown.
I shook my head, “No, my mom is fine. It’s something else, something huge.” I took a deep breath, trying to steady my shaking hands. "She told me... my father is alive."
Avery's eyes widened, mirroring my initial reaction. "What? Your father? But I thought..."
"I know," I interrupted, shaking my head in disbelief while recalling how many years I had been convinced that he was gone. "It's a shock, to say the least."
Avery waited for me to gather myself, her concerned frown deepening, then continued, “Oh Griselda, how are you coping with this news? Did she explain what happened?”
"That's the thing," I said, rubbing my temples, trying to organize my derailed train of thoughts. "She wants to meet in person and tell me everything then. She didn’t want to share anything over the phone. She also mentioned danger, and she wants me to stay away until she says it's safe."
"Wow," Avery murmured, her face looking thoughtful, “did she only recently find this out herself? Or why did she keep this hidden for so long?”
“I don’t know, Avery, but she sounded worried.” Just as I was worried.
"This sounds like something out of a thriller. But you need to be cautious. Don't meet without understanding everything."
"I know," I said, "but it's driving me crazy, Avery. I hate being kept in the dark, especially about something so significant."
"I get it," Avery reassured. "This is your family, your life. It's frustrating to be left hanging like this."
"I wish she would just tell me everything over the phone," I sighed, wanting to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible.
My emotions overwhelmed me: confusion, anger, and a profound sense of betrayal, and tears welled up in my eyes. Even Avery's comforting words couldn't appease the storm, but they offered a steadying hand in the lingering tempest of my thoughts.
"I get it, Avery. I do. But it's just, “my voice broke, “I've spent my entire life believing one thing about my dad, and now, suddenly, it's all turned upside down."
"I can't even imagine what you're going through," Avery soothed. "But perhaps your mom had her reasons. Maybe she thought she was protecting you from something."
"I know," I blinked, trying to keep the tears at bay. "But it's a lot to process, you know. And what’s with the secrecy? Why keep this from me for so long?"
Avery paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Parents make mistakes. Sometimes they believe they're doing what's best for us, even if it means hiding the truth. It doesn't make it right, but maybe it's her way of shielding you from a painful past."
"I wish she'd trust me enough to handle the truth," I whispered, feeling a mix of vulnerability and frustration.
"She will. When she's ready," Avery said, offering a glimmer of hope. "Maybe she's waiting for the right time to explain everything."
I nodded, understanding the wisdom in Avery's words. "You're right. I need to give her a chance to explain."
"I’m here for you," Avery’s empathy was evident in the way she tilted her head, looking at me with deep care. "Whatever you decide to do, I'll stand by you."
"Thank you, Avery," I said with gratitude.
Her unwavering support meant the world to me. With a promise to keep her updated, I hung up and took a deep breath, preparing to face what lay ahead.
Just then, I heard the door creak open, and my head snapped up.
And there he was, Emilio.
A rush of relief flooded through me. I rushed toward him with an overwhelming urge to be close to him. "Emilio," I breathed, pressing my head into his chest, his embrace feeling like a haven.
As I pulled back, scrutinizing him. The signs of the battle were evident—scrapes, bruises—but he reassured me he was fine. His lips pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, a natural gesture that felt like it had always been a part of our closeness.
