Later, Bethany returned with another unusual request: the pilot wanted to speak with me after we landed.

I was puzzled and concerned about the timing, as I had a tight connection to make. Yet, her serious tone suggested this was something important, so I reluctantly agreed to wait.

After landing and once the other passengers had disembarked, a tall man with graying hair approached me.

My heart raced as I recognized him from old photos—this was Steve, my mom’s childhood friend. But instead of a joyful reunion, he was crying. Through his tears, he revealed a shocking truth: he was my father. The birthmark on his wrist was identical to mine.

Confused and overwhelmed, I called my mom to confront her. Steve listened as I demanded answers.

After a pause, she tearfully admitted the truth. When she discovered she was pregnant, she chose to leave Steve so he could pursue his dream of becoming a pilot without feeling obligated to give it up for her and their child. She believed she was doing the right thing but now realized how much pain that decision had caused.

Steve, devastated by her confession, expressed how much he had loved her and how he would have done anything to be with us.