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…

He took me behind the bench.

A small wooden box was attached next to the tree trunk.

There was an old dictaphone inside.

Father pressed the button.

At first there was a cracking sound.

Then I heard a gentle female voice.

“Robert, if our little girl ever hears this recording, I want her to know that I loved her even before I held her in my arms…”

I froze.

It was Katherine’s voice.

The recording continued.

And if I’m not by her side, promise that when she grows up, you’ll take her to where our love began.

Father cried.

And then I heard the most unexpected phrase.

— And please kiss her on the forehead for me. Let her know that in this kiss there is my love too.