Chapter 9: The Truth Revealed

"Dear Kai,

If you're reading this, it means that I'm no longer with you. I'm truly sorry for leaving you alone, especially when you need me the most. I still remember, the first time I held you in my arms, you were just a small child. Your father was so overjoyed when you smiled at him that he tripped and fell down the stairs. We laughed so much that day, it's a memory that still brings a smile to my face.

I'm sure you've grown into a fine young man now. So, it's time for you to know the truth. You are not our biological child… You were just a new born, when we found you by the forest. You were crying, alone in a basket. You were injured, bleeding from your back. We quickly took you in and treated your wounds. It took three days for you to wake up, during that time, we couldn't sleep. Your father went around asking people about you, but he couldn't find anything. After the three days went by, you finally opened your eyes. It was the most joyful moment for us. When you woke up and looked at us with your innocent smile, we decided that no matter who's child you were, we would take care of you as our own.

As you grew, we discovered that you couldn't talk and due to the injury, you had as a child, you weren't able to walk. But we didn't care about that. The most important thing was that you were our child now. But, when your father died, I feared what might happen to you if something happened to me as well. So, I wrote this letter and gave it to the chief.

You may not forgive us now that you know the truth, but remember this one thing. Both your father and I love you and want the best for you. You don't have to forgive us, but please be happy, alright?

With all my love, Emily."

After reading the letter, Kai sat in silence, the weight of Emily's words sinking in. He held the letter close to his chest, his fingers tracing the edges of the paper. Tears welled up in his eyes, spilling over and streaming down his face. He didn't bother to wipe them away.

"I should be the one asking for forgiveness…" he thought to himself, his heart aching with regret and sorrow. He clutched the letter tighter, as if trying to hold onto Emily, onto the memories of her.

His tears fell silently, each one a testament to the love he had for Emily, to the gratitude he felt for everything she had done for him. "Thank you for everything, mom…" He continued to cry, letting his tears fall freely, a silent farewell to the woman who had been his mother in all but blood.