Chapter 14 - The Legacy of Truth
As Leo grew older, Clara never hid the truth of his origins from him. She knew that lies, even those born of protection, eventually turn into poison.
On an autumn afternoon when Leo was five, he sat with Clara in the estate library, looking at family albums. He pointed curiously to an old empty frame in the storage box.
"Who was that for, Mommy?" he asked with childlike innocence.
Clara pulled him onto her lap. "Someone who didn't know how to love properly, sweetheart."
"Did he hurt us?"
"He tried to take away our happiness," Clara said gently, smoothing his hair. "But love is much stronger than greed. When bad things happen, people have a choice: they can either become hard and angry like the people who hurt them, or they can choose to be kind and protect others."
Leo looked up, his hazel eyes clear and thoughtful. "Like you and Grandpa do at the center?"
"Exactly like that," Clara smiled, kissing his nose. "Our family’s strength isn't our money, Leo. It's our willingness to stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves."
May you like
Leo nodded, wrapping his arms around her neck. "I’m glad you’re my mommy."
"And I thank God every day that you are my boy," she whispered.
