Ms. Sophia gently asked Emma to wait in the library. But Emma stayed close to the door and overheard their conversation. “You told Emma I was her mother?” Sophia said, hurt. Dad sighed. “Her real mom… she was your best friend. When she passed away, I didn’t know how to explain it to a baby. I used your photo so Emma would feel like she had someone to look up to.” Emma gasped. All her life, she had been told a story that wasn’t true. She burst into the room, tears streaming down her face. “Why did you lie to me?” she cried. Dad knelt beside her. “I’m sorry, Emma. I just wanted you to feel loved and safe.”