That means you finally caught up to me.
I wish I could have been there to annoy you about it.”
Clara laughed through her tears.
Then she continued.
“I don’t know what you’ll remember about me.
Maybe Mom will tell you I was stubborn.
She’s right.
Maybe she’ll tell you I stole cookies.
Also true.
But there is something I need you to know.
You were never the reason I was afraid.
You were the reason I wasn’t.”
Clara stopped reading.
She pressed the paper against her chest.
I turned away.
I couldn’t watch her cry.
Daniel quietly said, “There’s more.”
Clara continued.
“I know everyone keeps telling Mom that the operation will be safe.
I believe them.
But if something goes wrong, I don’t want you growing up thinking you took me away from her.
You didn’t.
You gave me something to fight for.
