She released a heavy breath prior to continuing her explanation.
“Once she wed my grandfather, his relatives refused to welcome her, and they shoved her out following my mother’s birth. My parents maintained that detail concealed from my knowledge up until… Eli.”
Her gaze scanned my features, begging for compassion.
“My mother warned me that if anyone uncovered the reality, it would trigger massive issues for our household,” my wife muttered softly.
I furrowed my brow. “Issues in what manner?”
“She claimed outsiders would begin demanding answers. Regarding her parent. Regarding our lineage.”
I shifted my head side to side. “That fails to serve as an excuse to bear this burden independently.”
“She felt deep embarrassment,” she explained further, her tone shaking. “My grandfather’s relatives ensured she felt that way. They handled her heritage like an object that required permanent burying.”
“Buried from whom exactly?” I questioned.
“From every single person,” she mumbled. “From the congregation. From local residents. From individuals identical to your parents. She pleaded with me to avoid informing a single soul.”
I glared back at her face. “Therefore, you have been hauling this secret the entire duration?”
