“Aidan, honey…look at me.”

Complying with his wishes, I craned my head upwards, my vision blurred entirely by tears.

“I need you…to…to find something.”

No, no! The words were coming slower, as if he were falling asleep.

“W-what?”

“My house…desk,” he specified, blinking to stay awake.

“Desk?” I repeated, my mind in a mist. “There’s something in the desk!”

“Yes…yes…shh, don’t say anything,” he murmured, clasping my hand lightly. “Must…keep silent.”

“Okay.”

“Listen,” he urged, continuing although the volume of his voice was decreasing. “I need you…find…there’s a bunch…letters.”

“Letters?”

He nodded, the movement making a crease in the pillow.

“Don’t let anyone…see.”

“A-alright. Is there – is there anything else you want?” my voice stuttered along the words, trying to sound composed.

“I want you to know…”

“Yes?”

“I want you to know…that I apologize.”

“Wha?”

“For hiding it from you. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. Please, forgive me.”

What in the…?