I called Mom while I was shopping and asked, “Should I bring chocolate cake or apple pie for Christmas?” – Welcome

”

“Yes,” he said quietly. “I chose the easier life.”

The honesty hurt more than an excuse would have.

“I thought I’d fix it later.”

“Did later never arrive?”

Thomas looked at me.

“Every year I waited made coming back harder. Then you aged out, moved away, and I lost track of you. By the time I finally started searching, you were gone.”

I laughed bitterly.continue reading …