I looked at him.
“You didn't write it.”
“No. But it's because of me.”
I stopped.
“Julian.”
He turned.
“Look at me.”
He did.
“You did not create this situation. And you do not have to apologize for existing.”
His face changed.
For a moment, he looked terribly young.
Then he whispered:
“Thomas used to say that.”
My throat tightened.
“Did he?”
Julian nodded.
“He said I spent too much time apologizing for taking up space.”
I smiled sadly.
“That sounds like him.”
We continued walking.
Then Julian said:
“I need to ask you something.”
“Of course.”
“Do you believe what Mr. Harrison told you?”
I looked at him.
“About your mother?”
“Yes.”
I thought carefully.
“I believe the letters. I believe Thomas's signed genetic test. I believe there's more truth in those documents than in anything Raymond has said.”
Julian nodded slowly.
“Do you know what frightens me most?”
