The lies we keep

er chest. The events of the previous night replayed in

formulate a plan. She knew she couldn't confront her father without a

ully chosen furniture, the family photographs that adorned the walls. Each object,

ary where he retreated to escape the realities of his life. Lena had always felt

as filled with the scent of old leather and expensive cigars. Sunlight streame

nning the surfaces of the desk. She didn't know what she was looking for, but s

, paperclips, financial documents. Disappointed, she was about to give

. This had to be it. This had

ecurely locked. Frustrated, she searche

aperweight and smashed it against the lock.

vet pouch, a stack of photogra

a diamond pendant, a heart-shaped stone suspended from a delicate gold chain. It w

th a woman she didn't recognize. They were laughing, holding hands, shar

r, her father's. The words were filled with affection, promis

ach word. It was a confession, a confirmation of everything she had

er. The betrayal was even deeper, eve

to think, to process what she had discovered. She couldn't conf

ind her. The whispers in the walls seeme

. She had to expose his lies. And she had to help her mothe