That day. Standing outside my mother’s rented shop, watching her from afar. That was when I called her “Mom” for the first time in years.
My mother handled everything. It’d take some time, but the process was currently underway. Legally, Emily would be my sister, but I, my mother, and Emily all understood what was closer to reality.
Emily wanted to go to school, so I found her a highly confidential private kindergarten in Forest Ranch. Perhaps due to the early abandonment and the years spent in the welfare home – coupled with her young age – Emily had been rather hesitant at the kindergarten gate on that first day.
“Is something the matter?” I asked, kneeling down. I removed my mask to look at Emily with serious, gentle eyes. “Are you scared?”
Emily nodded, then shook her head. I did
