I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. “I didn’t know,” I stammered, my voice choked with emotion. “I didn’t know how to be there for you. I was selfish and afraid.”

He nodded, understanding etched in his expression. “I know. And I’ve made my peace with it. I found a family in the most unexpected places — through mentors, friends, and art. I wanted you to see that I’m okay, that I made it.”

His words were like a balm, soothing the guilt that had, unbeknownst to me, festered over the years. “Thank you,” I whispered, overwhelmed by a wave of gratitude.