After our son was born, I wanted a paternity test

test three years ago had been audited. An internal investigation revealed several mislabeled DNA samples from that week—mine included. They offer a free retest and a formal apology.

I reread it ten times, each word a drop of acid in my gut. My hands tremble as I dial the number listed in the signature. A robotic voice puts me on hold. The room feels continue reading …