A week or two weeks ago, the very thought of Aaron disappearing from our lives would have given me so much joy that I would have thrown a party, but now knowing what I know, I feel like a horrible person for everything. I am a horrible person.

I cheated him. I cheated him of the years he could have gotten to know his son. I knew he would have given anything to be a part of Zion’s life.

“I can’t,” I said with a small voice. It was the truth; I couldn’t bring myself to leave. My legs felt stuck.

He sighed and said nothing else.

I wanted to...