Carmen contacted Rebecca again from the hospital.
This time Rebecca did not answer.
An hour later, an attorney called on her behalf.
Nathan was not in the room for that conversation, but Carmen returned looking angrier than before.
“Rebecca says she has no legal relationship to the children and does not consent to being listed as a placement resource.”
Elelliana stared at her.
“What does that mean?”
Carmen chose her words carefully.
“It means she is saying she cannot take care of you right now.”
“She said she never knew Mom.”
“Yes.”
“Is she still saying that?”
Carmen paused.
“No.”
That was the first crack.
Elelliana pulled the sealed hospital property bag from her backpack.
“I want to open it.”
Nobody moved.
“Are you sure?” Carmen asked.
“My mom said it was for me.”
Nathan sat across the room. “Do you want us here?”
Elelliana looked at him.
“You paid for the milk.”
“That doesn’t mean I get to hear your letter.”
“I know.”
A pause.
“Stay anyway.”
Dr. Chen stayed too.
Carmen cut the hospital seal. Elelliana opened the old envelope herself.
Inside were three documents and a handwritten letter.
