After we graduated, my girlfriend told me that Ainsley was only holding her back and that she was still too young for this — then she left.
She went off to college and never came back. Not once did she ask about her daughter.
So I raised her alone. She grew into an incredible young woman — Ainsley is kind, cheerful, and caring.
When her graduation came 18 years later, I stood there watching her on stage, almost in tears with pride.
Ainsley went out to celebrate with her friends and came home late that night.
She rushed upstairs to her room.
Then, suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
When I opened it, two police officers were standing on my porch.
My blood ran cold.
