I went into the forest with my father. Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and said, “Finally, we’re alone. Come here, let me kiss you. I’ve wanted to do this for so long.” I recoiled from him in horror. But my father came closer, took me by the shoulders, and whispered, “Don’t be afraid, darling. Your mother will never know what happened between us.” I started shaking. And when he said, “I’ve waited 19 years for this moment,” I froze in fear…

Mom started crying.

“You were only a few days old when she died. I came to the hospital every day to help take care of you.

Her father took her hand.

“At first, Margaret just helped me. Over time, we became closer. Two years later, we got married.

Through tears I asked:

• So you’re not my real mother?

Margaret’s expression changed.

She replied softly:

“I didn’t give birth to you, darling. But I held your hands when you took your first steps. I didn’t sleep at night when you were sick. And every time you called me ‘Mommy,’ I felt like the happiest woman in the world.”

I threw myself on her neck.

— YOU ARE MY MOM! AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE!

She burst into tears.

But then the father said: