Clara laughed through her tears.
Then she continued.
“I don’t know what you’ll remember about me.
Maybe Mom will tell you I was stubborn.
She’s right.
Maybe she’ll tell you I stole cookies.
Also true.
But there is something I need you to know.
You were never the reason I was afraid.
You were the reason I wasn’t.”
Clara stopped reading.
She pressed the paper against her chest.
I turned away.
I couldn’t watch her cry.
Daniel quietly said, “There’s more.”
Clara continued.
“I know everyone keeps telling Mom that the operation will be safe.
I believe them.
But if something goes wrong, I don’t want you growing up thinking you took me away from her.
You didn’t.
You gave me something to fight for.
You were five years old.
You didn’t ask for any of this.
So if you’re ever angry at me, be angry.
