I told them I had met someone who was part of their family history and might become someone they knew better.

Their child therapist, Dr.

Nia Morgan, helped me choose simple language.

We showed them a photograph of Nathaniel from the airport and explained that some grown-ups hadn’t shared important information at the right time.

“Is he a grandpa?” June asked.

“No,” I said.

“He’s your biological father.”

Hazel considered that.