Years after adopting little Sam, David received a phone call from a lawyer. “Mr. Wallace,” the man said. “I’m calling on behalf of your adoptive son’s birth parent…”

“What do you want?” Dave asked sharply.

“I would like to talk to you…” the lawyer said.

“I’m not interested,” Dave said. “Those people abandoned my son. There’s nothing you could say that I want to hear.”

“Please, Mr. Wallace,” the lawyer said. “For Sam’s sake.”

Reluctantly, Dave agreed to meet the lawyer. As soon as he arrived, the man handed him a letter. “This will explain everything so much better than I ever could, Mr. Wallace,” he said.

David hesitated before taking the letter, his mind swirling with apprehension and curiosity. He found a nearby bench and sat down, carefully opening the envelope. Inside was a neatly folded piece of paper, written in a delicate, almost trembling hand.

Dear Mr. Wallace,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Emily, and I am Sam’s birth mother. First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for taking care of Sam and providing him with the love and home I was unable to give him. I can never repay you for the kindness and dedication you have shown my son.