Last Tuesday, I came home early from a site inspection.
The sky had turned gray and heavy, the kind of weather that always reminded me of hospital waiting rooms. When I pulled into the driveway, the house looked peaceful.
Maya’s bike lay on the lawn. Lily’s muddy gardening gloves rested neatly on the porch railing, just like always.
I unlocked the door quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone.
Inside, the air smelled like cinnamon buns and craft glue.
Then I heard Jenna’s voice.
It wasn’t warm. It wasn’t gentle.
It was cold—low and sharp, like a whisper wrapped in ice.
“Girls, you are not going to be staying here for long. So, don’t get too comfortable. James is doing what he can, but I mean…”
I froze.
“I’m not wasting the final years of my 20s raising someone else’s kids,” she continued. “A foster family would be much better for you anyway. At least they’ll know how to deal with your… sadness. Now, when the final adoption interview is scheduled, I want you both to say that you want to leave. Understand?”Foster care information
Silence followed.
Then a soft, broken sound.
“Don’t cry, Maya,” Jenna snapped. “I’m warning you. If you cry again, I’ll take your notebooks and throw them away. You need to grow up before you keep writing your silly stories in them.”
“But we don’t want to leave,” Maya whispered. “We want to stay with James. He’s the best brother in the world.”
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My stomach twisted painfully.
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“You don’t get to want anything. Go do your homework, girls. Hopefully, you’ll be out of my hair in a few weeks, and I can go back to my wedding planning. Don’t worry, you’ll still be invited, of course. But don’t think that you’ll be… bridesmaids or anything.”
Footsteps rushed upstairs—bare, hurried, desperate.
A door slammed.
I stood there, unable to breathe, the weight of her words crushing me. I couldn’t move toward the kitchen. I didn’t want her to know I was there.
I needed to hear more.
I needed to be sure.
Then her tone shifted instantly—light, almost cheerful.
She was on the phone.
“They’re finally gone,” she said. “Karen, I swear I’m losing my mind. I have to play perfect mom all day. And it’s exhausting.”Motherhood advice books
She laughed softly.
“He’s still dragging his feet on the wedding,” she continued. “I know it’s because of the girls. But once he adopts them, they’re legally his problem, not mine. That’s why I need them gone. We have an interview coming up with the social worker soon.”
I pressed my hand against the wall to steady myself.
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