Then she showed Emily a box.
Inside were dozens of unopened birthday cards.
Every card was addressed to Emily.
Her hands trembled as she opened one.
“Happy seventh birthday, sweetheart. I hope someday you understand.”
Emily began crying.
Claire finally revealed the truth.
After the divorce, David had tried repeatedly to contact Emily. But every letter and gift had been returned. Emily's mother had convinced him that his daughter wanted nothing to do with him.
David eventually believed he had lost his child forever.
“He searched for you until the day he died,” Claire said.
Emily froze.
“Died?”
Claire nodded.
David had passed away only six months earlier.
Then she handed Emily one final envelope.
On it were four words:
“For my little girl.”
Emily opened the letter with shaking hands.