The next few weeks were a whirlwind. I sought out financial advisors, not just to manage my wealth but to ensure it could make a difference. I wanted to provide scholarships for women returning to college later in life, like I had always dreamed of doing. I reached out to charities focused on housing for single mothers and the elderly, imagining the kind of empathetic community I wished had existed for me.

All the while, I avoided any contact with Marvin, needing space to process everything. He had tried to reach out after discovering I was gone, confused and maybe a bit worried. But I needed to focus on the future, carving out a path that was mine and mine alone.

Finally, after setting the foundation for my new life and the lives I hoped to impact, I agreed to meet Marvin for lunch. As he walked into the restaurant, his face was a mixture of relief and apprehension. I could tell he was still the son I loved, despite the distance that had grown between us.