Texting your mom during the Fourth of July barbecue after...

Conversation

1. Mom, there's an older man at our table who knows me.
2. Who? Where are you sitting?
3. Across from me, flat cap, keeps smiling like he recognizes me.
4. Don't get up, sit down, and check the old album.
5. I already did; I found a faded photo labeled 'your real dad'.
6. You found that photo—please don't show anyone, come inside.
7. Why would you label him 'your real dad' then bring him here?
8. I didn't 'bring' him—he asked to come tonight, I agreed.
9. He used my childhood nickname and knew my birthday, Mom.
10. He remembers because he remembers you; this wasn't easy for me.
11. You lied to me for my whole life, why?
12. I lied because he was dangerous back then, I thought...
13. So you risked my safety by inviting him now?
14. No, I invited him because he wrote me, said he's dying.
15. Dying? Since when did death become an excuse for secrets?
16. Because he begged to meet you before it's too late.
17. Why didn't you tell me when I was a teenager?
18. I thought you'd hate him and me, so I protected you.
19. Protected me from what—my actual father or the truth?
20. Both; he wasn't ready before, he is scared now.
21. He stood up and waved at me just now.
22. Don't stand up, please—let me talk to him first.
23. He just mouthed 'I'm sorry' and started walking away.
24. Go after him; don't let him leave without telling you this.