Raised by her caring grandmother, Marta created a meaningful life for herself, graduating, falling in love with James, and establishing a successful career. However, her tranquility was disrupted by a mysterious email from her estranged father.

When I was 7 y/o and my parents divorced, my grandmother took me in without hesitation.

At 18, I graduated high school. My parents had already faded from my life, their occasional birthday cards and holiday emails stopping altogether. It was just Grandma and me, and that was enough.

I got a job at a marketing firm and met James there, a kind graphic designer. Our friendship grew into love, and he proposed last month. Life felt full and complete.

A few days ago, an unexpected email from my dad showed up in my inbox. He said he had lost his job and had nowhere to go. He asked if he could stay with me for a while. Reading his words, I felt a mix of emotions – surprise, anger, confusion. How could he ask for my help after abandoning me for so long?

I showed the email to James, and he asked if I wanted to meet him. I felt I needed to, but only to tell him he wasn’t welcome.

We met at a café. He looked desperate, and I got straight to the point. I told him I wasn’t offering him a place to stay and that he had no right to ask after all these years. He got angry, saying he had helped me until I turned 18 by sending money and making sure I was taken care of. He accused me of being ungrateful and rude.

I felt my anger rise. Sending money didn’t make up for abandoning me. Grandma had raised me, not him. He yelled, saying he did what he could and that I was turning my back on him.

I feel that I made the right decision, but still in doubt.

Regards, Marta

THE END!!!!!!!!!