The Secret's Keeper

I saw him.
No, I saw both of them.
They were sitting there,
Laughing, playing, and smiling one minute
And then it happened.

Something I vowed that I would never tell anyone.
I saw my father cheating on mother.
How my world changed drastically since then.
I was only a child
An innocent free spirited child with nothing to worry about.
But now my world, my beautiful, beautiful life was shattered.
My happiness was destroyed and it was all thanks to the man I call, “Father.”

Should I tell her?
Or should keep this secret locked in my heart?

Every day I see my father glowing brighter
While my mother becomes paler and more frail.
Her heart was already fragile, but her spirit was always strong.
But not now.
Now I was the strong one.

I’ve become the weak link in this family.
My will is slowly giving away.
Slipping from me like rain.
Like a hazy dream or a long forgotten memory.
I must tell her before it’s too late.

Mother, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Father’s heart has been stolen by another.
The man you call, “Husband,” and the woman you call, “Sister.”
They started an affair.
Their affairs started long ago.
But their love shone through.
Perhaps Father really loved your sister and not you?

I pray that your spirit will remain strong,
That your heart remains pure.
Your soul will be at ease now.

But that would be a lie,
Wouldn’t it, Mother?
Only I could have told you before it was too late.

I’m sorry that I wasn’t a more loyal daughter.
I was trying to protect our family,
To stay strong for us both.

Father was the one who made me the Keeper of his Secret.
I couldn’t tell anyone.
Just thinking about it made my heart ache.
I am the Keeper of my Father’s Secrets.