Chapter 27 The Shattering Truth

• “You’re not my father, are you?”
• Mom’s eyes widen at the question, and I immediately regret asking it. The words spill out of me before I can stop them, sharp and biting, but it’s too late now. I need to know. I have to know.
• Her hands tremble as she grips the edge of her desk. She doesn’t answer right away, but the silence screams at me. I can feel it; I feel the weight of her hesitation. The truth, buried for so long, pushing at the seams.