I can’t speak.
I can’t breathe.
Sarah Albert; Alexander’s mother is on the phone.
“Lily, are you there?”
“Yes.” My voice is barely a whisper.
“How did you get this number?”
“Doesn’t matter.
I need to ask you something.
Is it true?
Do I have a granddaughter?”
I don’t answer.
I can’t.
My mind is racing, my heart is pounding.
How does she know about Sophie?
Who told her?
“Lily, please.
“Who told you?” I finally manage.
“Who told you about her?”
“Doesn’t matter.
What matters is the truth.
Is she my granddaughter?”
I close my eyes.
“Yes.”
I hear a sob, a strangled, broken sob.
“Oh, God.
Oh, God, I have a granddaughter.”
“Why are you calling me?
Why now?”
“I need to meet her.
Please.
I need to see her.”
“No.”
“Lily, please…”
She doesn’t know about any of you.
And I’d like to keep it that way.”
“Lily…”
“I have to go.”
I hang up.
I’m shaking.
I’m crying.
I’m terrified.
Sarah Albert knows about Sophie.
And if she knows, Alexander knows.
And if Alexander knows…
I can’t think about that.
I can’t think about him.
But I know, deep down, that this is only the beginning.
I look at Sophie, sleeping peacefully in her bed.
“I’m sorry, baby,” I whisper.
“I’m so sorry.”