Scared to Tell
He explained that guilt had haunted him. He feared that Emma, who saw him as flawless, would leave if she knew. Around her ambitious friends, he always felt small, terrified they’d see him as a failure.
So he buried his past, tried to erase it, and when Emma became pregnant, he seized the chance to reinvent himself in the countryside.
But the guilt grew heavier each year. This New Year, he wanted to finally come clean.
Feelings of Guilt
His voice broke as he looked at Emma. “I was so scared you’d leave me. I should have told you from the beginning. I’m sorry, Emma. Please forgive me.”
Always Be Honest
Emma’s heart, though shattered, softened. His crimes were far less sinister than she had feared. Everyone makes mistakes in youth, and Daniël had since proven himself a caring partner and father.
But there had to be conditions. “From now on,” she said firmly, “you must always be honest with me.”
Daniël agreed instantly, tears streaming. They embraced, holding each other tightly as the officers looked on.
The police, relieved the matter required no further arrest, even drove them home. And from that day forward, Emma and Daniël vowed their most important resolution of all: Always be honest.