He stood up, his mind racing, a single thought reverberating like a drum beat: he needed to talk to Jessica, his mother. He had always known his parents had secrets, all adults did, but this was different. This was something that could shatter the fragile peace that had fallen over their lives since Richard’s disappearance.
With the box secured under his arm, Mark stepped out into the bright morning, heading home. His heart pounded in rhythm with his steps, the cool air filling his lungs. He knew this confrontation could potentially upend his relationship with Jessica. Yet, he also knew he had no other choice.
Arriving home, Mark found Jessica in the kitchen, her hair caught in the morning light as she prepared breakfast. She turned to him, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in his disheveled appearance and the dusty box tucked under his arm.
Before she could ask what was wrong, Mark set the box down on the table, spilling its contents. Documents, photographs, passports slid out, landing in a disordered pile. Jessica gasped, her eyes scanning the shocking collection of evidence, her hand instinctively moving to cover her mouth.