When I first saw the tiny blue sneakers beside Paul’s headstone, I thought it was a mistake. But the shoes kept appearing—red boots, brown sandals—each time I visited. My frustration grew, thinking someone was playing a cruel joke. Determined to find out, I arrived early one day and discovered Maya, Paul’s former secretary, placing shoes at his grave.

Maya tearfully revealed a secret: Paul had a son named Oliver, born from their affair. She had left her job to avoid hurting me, but after Paul’s death, she brought Oliver’s old shoes to the grave, helping him feel connected to his father.

I faced the pain of betrayal, but seeing the love in Maya’s story, I chose compassion. I let her continue bringing the shoes, and eventually, I found a new purpose in helping Oliver understand the father he lost.