while attempting to steady my shaking hands. “I’m really sorry,” I started as tears started to form in my eyes. “I ought not to have forced you to miss my graduation. I must have the whole truth. Just tell me everything, please.” Grandma’s expression softened as she extended her hand to grasp mine. “Oh, Sarah, it makes sense. You must have been really perplexed by it.” Granny nodded, sorrow in his eyes. “To keep you safe, we took the best

possible action. However, you should be aware of the entire tale.”With a sad heart full of shame and curiosity, I sat down. “You kept him away from me, Dad replied. Grandma, he showed me messages. They came from you. Grandma let out a big breath, anguish visible in her eyes. “I did send those mails, yes. Sarah, your father wasn’t a good man. After you were born, he began abusing drugs and alcohol. When he caused the accident that killed your mother, he was intoxicated. We hoped he wouldn’t harm you as well.”I gulped hard, trying to take in what they had spoken. “Yet he claimed to have been clean for years. He added that he required funds for his son’s medical care. Is that accurate? Grandpa and Grandma looked at each other worriedly. Grandpa muttered, “He always knew how to

manipulate people.” “If he’s back, it’s because he wants something.” I inhaled deeply. “I must ascertain the truth. Do you think that at this point, we could learn more about his life?” Papa gave a nod. “We could attempt. Perhaps we can look it up online.”Once we were all in the living area, Grandpa turned on his laptop. After he signed onto Facebook, we started looking for my dad. Finding his profile wasn’t that difficult. In his profile picture, he was seen with a little boy and a woman. “Is that his new family?” With my heart racing, I enquired. Grandpa responded, “It looks like it,” as he clicked on the woman’s profile. Lisa was her name, and the public could see her profile. We skimmed her posts, trying to find any reference to the boy’s condition. The thought of my father maybe lying to me made my heart hurt.Grandma said, “Look at this,” pointing to a post from a few weeks prior. It was an image of the happy, healthy youngster enjoying soccer. Grandpa murmured, “Doesn’t look like he’s sick,” and continued scrolling. The boy was

depicted in more photos, all of which showed him to be content and active. Grandma gave me a firm hug. “Sarah, we’re so sorry you had to experience this. But now that you know the truth, we’re happy.”With tears running down my cheeks, I nodded. I’m very sorry for not believing you. I ought to have believed in you right away.” Papa wrapped an arm around me. “You’re forgiven, Sarah. You were only searching for clarification.” The three of us sat together and took solace in one another. Although I was aware of my errors, I

also knew that I was loved and pardoned. I was more aware than ever of how fortunate I was to have my grandparents, who had always supported me. My father arrived to the house the following day, beaming. He said, “Did you get the money?” I gave a headshake. “No, Dad, I can’t give you any money.” He scowled. “But it’s for your brother’s treatment.”I firmly said, “I know you lied about that.” “I looked at the pictures. He is not ill. You were only interested in the cash.” His rage reddened his face. He angrily said, “You’re just like your grandparents.” “I should’ve stayed away.” “Perhaps you ought to have,” I steadily answered. “I’m done with your lies.”