I decided that as soon as the results came in, I would find a way to tell her.

I would sit her down in a quiet place, away from Richard.

I would show her the DNA report and the photograph of Rose.

I would have to be strong for her when her world shattered.

That night, I lay awake in bed, listening to Richard’s even breathing beside me.

He slept deeply, oblivious to the storm gathering around him.

I stared at the ceiling until the first light of dawn began to seep through the blinds.

The next day passed in an agonizing crawl.

I cleaned the house, washed the dishes, and folded the laundry, but my mind was elsewhere.

I kept checking my phone every five minutes.

By three in the afternoon, the tension was unbearable.

I couldn’t stay in the house anymore.

I got into my car and drove to the parking lot of a local park.

I sat in the driver’s seat, watching the autumn leaves blow across the grass.

At exactly four o’clock, my phone buzzed in my lap.