The Jacket with the Red Patch
That evening, I searched the club’s website.
I opened an old photograph of the club’s founders.
One volunteer wore a black motorcycle jacket with a distinctive red patch.
“Wait... I know that jacket.”
His face was hidden behind a helmet.
I immediately called the club.
“Could you tell me the name of your founder?”
“His name was Daniel.”
My heart skipped a beat.
Could it really be him? And if so, why had Michael said the founder was sick?
What else had Daniel been hiding from me?
“Who’s asking?” the woman continued.
“His ex-wife. Emma.”
There was a long silence.
“Emma? Michael’s been expecting your call. He said he has a lot to explain.”
I hung up and immediately called the number on his card.
“Michael?”
“Emma?”
“We need to talk.”
“Is Lily okay?”
“She’s fine. But I know about Daniel.”
He said nothing.
“I’ll be there tomorrow morning.”
At nine the next morning, Rachel stayed with Lily while I drove to the club.
Michael was waiting outside.
“You found the photograph,” he said.
“So you knew my husband.”
“Yes.”
“I almost called you last night, Emma. Watching Lily leave that hospital made me realize I couldn’t keep this secret forever.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“Because I promised Daniel I wouldn’t. But I’ve started to think keeping that promise was the biggest mistake I ever made.”
“How?”
“We met through motorcycles a few years ago. Became best friends.”
“Daniel never mentioned you.”
“He wanted something separate from work and family. Somewhere he could just be himself.”
I folded my arms.
“Then explain why he started a charity for sick children.”
Michael looked exhausted. “Emma, Daniel didn’t originally come to the oncology department as a volunteer.”
I frowned. “What?”
“He came as a patient.”
I stared at him. “No. That’s impossible.”
“About a year ago, he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.”
My knees nearly gave way. “What are you talking about?”
“He found out shortly before your divorce.”
“No. He would’ve told me.”
Michael lowered his eyes. “He should have.”
I remembered Daniel withdrawing.
His sleepless nights. The way he’d stopped making future plans.
“He told me he couldn’t be a good husband anymore.”
“He was terrified of becoming dependent on you. Of Lily watching him deteriorate.”
“So he just left us?”
“He thought he was protecting you.”
May you like
“Protecting us?” My voice cracked. “I thought he stopped loving us!”
Michael looked away. “I wish he’d understood how much he was hurting you.”
