I had returned to my ancestral home, 'to put things in order', as I supposed, but it wasn't my dad's affairs that were out of order but me—I had only half the truth and what I had was clearly wrong.
It wasn't my father that was at fault, God knows he did what he could to right his father's wrongs.
Looking back now, I blush to see my outlook was so juvenile and uniformed. To think I fancied myself an avenger, aggrandizing my role. How melodramatic to think that I alone could set things right.
How pathetic and futile...
I was lost in a fiction of my own.
These things were going through my mind as I reflected on the pleasant morning the four of us spent and then Lisanne suddenly wanted to go back into town to the library, to do research, as she told us.
But Zadie and I saw through the ruse and knew she wanted to spend time alone with Moss—which was fine with us. If they both got together, I couldn't think of a better outcome.
Besides, Zadie needed to return to the university to give an afternoon lecture, and so I was left alone to spend some time with Lizzie, reflect reflect on the past and begin to plan my own future.
I had been undecided about whether to remain in Willow Creek, but now was inclined to stay and settle down. I had fallen in love with Zadie and reconciled with Lisanne, so I now had what I always desired—family.
But in addition to family, I now had friendship with Moss and Coda and was committed to help out the community by starting a program of urban renewal and kick-starting it with a program of generous grants.
I sat back satisfied by the progress I made in the last few weeks and looked ahead to participating in the community life.
Lizzie seemed to have been tired out by all the attention she had been given and was fast asleep, curled up with her blanket, so I decided to go for a hike to clear my head and get some fresh air.
I walked out through the woods for thirty minutes and then, turned around and came back again. I didn't want to chance leaving the pup alone for too long.
I just got back when a UPS truck pulled up in the drive and delivered a parcel. It was from my father's lawyer—a trove of personal papers and one unopened letter was addressed to me.
I tore open the letter and sat by the fire reading.
Dear Cain,
I always hoped there'd be a chance to explain why you were sent away and separated from your mother and me. If you're reading this then Martin Wilcox has performed his final duty as executor by forwarding these papers to you.
I left everything to you but regret including unfinished business. I tried as best I could to make amends for our family's sins but I'm sure you'll also try to do what is just for the townsfolk in Willow Grove.
I hope someday you'll find it in your heart to forgive, but know this—I only did what I could to protect you and you'll have to trust you were loved. Your mother and I grieved being apart from you. but keeping you safe from my father's threats seemed the best course of action
The documents enclosed will state the facts and need no further comment from me. Over the years, I got regular reports on your progress at school and later your success in writing and I want to tell you I'm proud of the man you've become.
Despite what you may think, you truly were loved. I only wish I had time to tell and to show you.
Dad
Tears flowed freely, unhindered by me. I had planned to visit my father's grave as a gesture of reconciliation but never expected to hear another word, especially, posthumously from him.
The documents proved what I had already discovered—my grandfather's misdeeds and my father's failed attempts to contact Anais and her child and make restitution to them. Apparently, by the time my father gained control of the estate and was in a position to try to reach out to Anais and her daughter, It was too little and too late.
My Father died before he could make things right but left no doubt he fully intended to compensate them. I will make sure Lisanne has all the benefits to which she was entitled and will expend every effort to make her life happier than it's ever been.
As I said at the beginning of this journey, I could have divested myself of everything and turned my back on my family, but that would have been ruinous to those employed by Walker Industries and would have devastated the local economy.
But in remaining and trying to make amends for my family's past sins, I discovered love here and a life I never would have imagined.
I surely have arrived where I started and now know the place for the first time.
