After 18 Years of Silence, One Diagnosis Changed Everything

“I know what I did,” I continued. “I know I broke you. And I accepted your way of punishing him because I thought it was what he deserved. But… it’s been eighteen years, Javier.

He didn’t say anything.

“Eighteen years in which we’ve been strangers,” I added. “And now… I may not have time left.

The air became dense.

“I don’t ask you to forgive me,” I said. “Or to forget. Just… I don’t want this last thing between us.

Silence.

Long.

Painful.

Javier took a deep breath.

And then…

He spoke.

“I didn’t want this either.