Julie sat silently and gazed at Jeremy Cates's name on the paper. Her hands were cold and her heart was racing. She had anticipated signing a few documents and leaving the lawyer's office with nothing except memories. Now however everything was different. Her father who seldom ever gave her a hug and never talked about the past had an enormous secret. He had a second child. A son. A brother she had never met. She questioned a lawyer "Are you certain this is correct?"

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He gave a nod. Your father did indeed identify three heirs. You Jeremy Cates and your brother Michael. However none of you can claim the property until the three of you agree. The floor seems to have moved Julie thought. Why had her father kept this a secret? Was Michael aware? Did anyone else have the same question? She had trouble sleeping that night. Her mind was racing with questions. Reaching for her phone she dialed Michael. Leaving out any greetings she asked "Did you know?"

Michael let out a sigh. "No. I've never heard of Jeremy before. All of this is new to me as well. "What are we going to do?" "I suppose we locate him." So they gave it a shot. They only had a P.O. box and a name. The following day Julie drafted a letter and mailed it. It was easy. To Jeremy Julie is my name. Thomas Cates was our father. I recently found out that his will names you as one of his children. We would like to meet you if this is accurate. Kindly respond. — Julie

Weeks went by. No response. Then Julie's phone buzzed one evening when she was watering her plants. Unknown figure. "Hello?" "Julie?" The voice of a man stated. Quiet uncertain. "This is Jeremy." Julie stopped. Indeed. It is indeed me. "I received your mail. I... I was unaware that Thomas was my dad. My mother never mentioned him. He departed before I was born she claimed. Startled Julie sat down. "He also didn't tell us about you." The following day they decided to meet in a tiny café.

Julie's heart fell as she saw Jeremy. His eyes and solemn features were just like their father's. However he appeared to be kind. anxious. They told their stories over coffee. Raised by a single mother Jeremy had experienced poverty as a child. He was never aware of his father's true identity. Julie explained the will to him. regarding the state. Jeremy declared "I don't care about money." However I'd like to know why he left us. Why didn't he come get me? Julie gave a nod. "Me too."

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The three siblings were standing in front of the former family home when they later met Michael. The keys had not yet been unlocked. They stood together now nevertheless. They made the decision to unlock the residence in order to obtain answers as well as their portion. They discovered ancient photos dusty books and a locked box in the attic. There was a letter in the box. I made blunders according to my kids. I felt frightened. I said nothing. But in my own way I loved you all. I hope we can locate each other and forgive each other. — Thomas Julie's eyes were filled with tears. She glanced at her brothers. "I believe we just did " She also felt less alone for the first time in years.