The Other Side Of Goodbye
On a frigid afternoon, a woman arrived at the narrator’s doorstep accompanied by a young boy. She asserted that the boy, named Daniel, was the offspring of the narrator’s deceased husband, Michael, and insisted on receiving his portion of the estate. The narrator, taken aback and filled with resentment, clarified that Michael had left nothing behind — merely debts and an old truck. The woman departed, threatening legal action, but never returned.
As time passed, the encounter faded from immediate memory, yet guilt began to seep in. The narrator found herself reflecting on Daniel — the way he quietly clung to his mother, his inquisitive gaze. Driven by curiosity, she sought out the boy online and discovered his name: Daniel, the very name Michael had once wished to bestow upon a son they never had.
Eventually, the boy’s mother, Claire, sent a letter. She expressed her apologies and mentioned that Daniel had inquiries regarding his father. The narrator consented to meet them, albeit with caution. At a coffee shop, she brought along photo albums and shared stories about Michael — his laughter, his idiosyncrasies, their shared life. Daniel listened intently, quietly, and a small bond began to develop.
As time went on, these meetings persisted. The narrator did not attempt to replace anyone but instead provided Daniel with a connection to his father’s history. Despite criticism from others regarding her decision, she understood that none of this was the boy’s doing. Daniel began to evoke memories of Michael in charming, unforeseen ways.
When Claire accepted a job in another city, the narrator encouraged her to pursue it, assuring her that they would maintain contact. And they did — through phone calls, letters, and visits. Eventually, Daniel selected her for a school project about someone who inspires him, which deeply moved her.
Later, a previously undisclosed will came to light. Michael had entrusted her to “do the right thing” should a child emerge. She honored that trust — not out of duty, but out of love. Now ten years old, Daniel continues to write to her. And she smiles every time.