My parents abandoned me during my hardest battle—then appeared at graduation demanding credit, until the dean announced the valedictorian and their faces changed instantly

enough that outpatient care could soon begin. Social worker Susan Myers arrived shortly afterward and explained that they had found a foster placement for me.

Laura happened to be standing beside my bed, even though she wasn’t supposed to be working that day.

“I want to take her.”

Susan stared at her.

Laura repeated herself.

“I want to foster Emily. I’m continue reading …