Chapter 14 - Adrian hears the truth properly
Adrian needed an explanation that was not shouted across a banquet.
His guardian ad litem, child therapist, Sabella, and I eventually agreed on a structured conversation.
I attended.
Sabella did too.
Adrian sat between professionals.
He looked at me.
“Am I your son?”
I answered carefully.
“I have been your father in your life.”
“Biology.”
He was nine.
Children learn fast when adults make them.
“The recent test says I am not your biological father.”
He cried silently.
Then:
“Who is?”
“We are still confirming.”
“Mom knew?”
Sabella started crying.
“I wasn’t sure.”
Adrian turned toward her.
“You knew maybe.”
“Yes.”
“Did Dad know maybe?”
“No.”
He looked at me.
“Are you going to stop being Dad?”
I said:
“No decision about legal status will be made because I’m angry with your mother.”
The therapist nodded.
Adrian asked:
“Can I still call you Dad?”
My throat tightened.
“Yes.”
Sabella covered her face.
I did not look at her.
May you like
This conversation belonged to him.
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