Back then I had thought the document might take my son away.

Instead it had forced me to face a loss I’d buried and offered both boys a fuller truth about themselves.

That didn’t make the deception worthwhile.

It didn’t excuse Robert or anyone who’d manipulated the records.

It simply meant that damage did not get to write the ending all by itself.

Later, outside the restaurant, Wyatt hugged me.

“You okay, Mom?”

“I am.