I didn’t tell you because I didn’t believe her at first.
Then I was diagnosed.
The cancer changed everything.
I contacted her.
We did a DNA test.
She’s telling the truth.
A folded laboratory report was clipped behind the photograph.
I didn’t need to understand every number.
The conclusion was clear.
Sibling relationship probability: 99.97%.
I slowly lowered myself onto the chair beside the front door.
Claire waited.
After a moment, I whispered, “Come in.”
She entered quietly.
I closed the door.
For a while, neither of us spoke.
Then something occurred to me.
“Why didn’t he tell me?”
That hurt more than I expected.
Jack and I had survived high school together.College applications.
Our terrible first apartment with mold in the bathroom.
His construction jobs.
My night shifts at the pharmacy.
Our wedding.
Our daughter’s birth.
Miscarriage.
Bills.
Cancer.
Death.
We had shared everything.
