Dearest Albert and Lydia,
I have sadly received word of Ingrid's passing and will be returning to Brindleton as soon as possible. I hope you all are faring well - it isn't easy losing your mother.
I have something to tell you which your mother and I decided to keep secret until you were old enough to understand. I know this will be especially hard to take now that she is gone, but the truth has to be told.
I am your birth mother. Your father and I had a brief romance which resulted in your conception, after which he refused to marry me or be in contact with me in any way. Ingrid came up with the plan to raise you as her own, and although I wished to keep you all to myself, I agreed for both of your future's sakes.
I do not expect you to accept me as your mother right away or denounce Ingrid as your mother in the slightest. She is the one who raised you, after all, and should not be blamed for this.
I look forward to seeing you again,
Your mother, Helga
