“Who’s your dad?” I asked carefully. Tommy didn’t know, but something about his face felt eerily familiar. As he mentioned, “He’s here… at the airport,” I couldn’t help but wonder if he was related to me. My thoughts raced back to Ryan, my brother who had disappeared years ago.

Just then, I spotted Ryan, rushing through the crowd. The sight of him took me by surprise. Tommy ran to him, calling out, “Dad!” As Ryan pulled Tommy into a hug, he froze, recognizing me.

I hesitated but asked, “Is he… my nephew?” Ryan nodded, confirming what I’d started to suspect. The years of anger and distance between us hung heavy in the air. “I wish I’d known,” I said softly.