“When you and Caroline were in the hospital from the car accident when she was just three, I was asked to donate blood for her. Of course, I volunteered. That’s when I was told that my blood wasn’t a good match for Caroline. I had a DNA test done. The first finding wasn’t a big surprise, I was not the father of Caroline. I was surprised to learn that you had cheated on me. It turns out that was only a small surprise. What I found out that was a big surprise was that the DNA shows that Caroline’s father was a close relative of yours! I did a quick calculation and remembered that nine months prior to Caroline’s birth, your brother left for Iraq. You had gone to visit your family to see him off. I guess you helped him get off in more ways than one. My adultery with Beth was wrong, but at least my adultery was not incestuous. When your brother died in Iraq, I guess you saw no need to tell anyone else.
“I didn’t say anything at the time because I loved Caroline so much. I wouldn’t have said anything to you ever if you hadn’t gone on this crusade to tear down what good work has been done in her memory. Emily, by hindering what Caroline’s Ladders is doing, you are KILLING children. I’ve killed one child and I know how I have suffered every day of my life since then. Do you really want to suffer like I have?
“Well, I hope I have made sure you will at least think about how what you’re doing may cause other people to suffer. May God forgive you and me both.
“Kyle”
*****
EPILOGUE
“Dad, did you hear about Mom?”
“No Caroline, what?”
“She killed herself yesterday.”
“No, I hadn’t heard. Oh, my goodness. I’m sorry for you. Sweetheart, I don’t know all the rules here yet. Does this mean you have to greet her or am I supposed to?”
“Dad, she didn’t make it up here.”