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…

I answered right away.

• Mother?

Her voice sounded excited.

• Emily, where are you?

— In the forest.

— Did your father take you to the old wooden bench?

I froze.

• Yes… but how do you know about this bench?

Mom was silent for a few seconds.

Then she whispered:

• Emily, if your father wants to kiss you, please don’t let him do it until I arrive.

I could hardly breathe.

— MOM, WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?!

She replied:

• Exactly what I was afraid of for nineteen years.

The connection suddenly broke off.

I looked at my father.

— What were you both hiding from me?

The father sat down on the bench.

His eyes filled with tears.

• Emily, sit down. It’s time to find out the whole truth.

Father opened the velvet box.

There was a gold ring inside.