“Nathan,” she began softly, her smile small but warm. She paused, taking a breath as if choosing her words carefully. “If you’re watching this, it means I’m gone. And there’s something I need you to know.”

She looked down, her fingers twisting together before she lifted her gaze again, eyes glistening.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry I never told you that I’m your mother. I should have. I wanted to so many times, but I thought I was ...