The nurse’s warning whispered in my ear still haunted me: “Ask your son what happened at 3:00 AM.” Moments later, I eavesdropped on his panicked phone call on the fire escape: “If the police find out, we’re ruined.” My hands shook as I unlocked his briefcase in his office. The horrific adoption contract inside changed everything…

brooked zero argument.

Daniel and Nora stared at me, rain dripping from their noses.

“Mom, you can’t—”

“I said stay here, Daniel.” I looked him dead in the eye. “You are the people demanding she give up the only living thing she has left in her arms right now. Your presence is a threat. Let me speak to her.”

I didn’t wait for his permission. I walked to continue reading …