Edith Barlow, caseworker.
Margaret read aloud only what Claire wanted her to.
The first months matched memory.
Claire was placed with Margaret and her husband after an emergency removal.
She was described as anxious, underweight, academically behind but responsive to routine.
The notes from Margaret’s home were positive.
Stable placement.
Child bonding.
Foster parent interested in long-term permanency if reunification failed.
Claire pressed a hand against her lips.
“There.”
Margaret nodded.
It was in writing.
Not memory.
Not sentiment.
The record itself said it.
Foster parent interested in long-term permanency.
They kept reading.
Then the tone changed.
A supervisor’s note referenced “concerns reported by assigned worker regarding attachment and placement sustainability.”
Margaret frowned.
“What concerns?”
Claire scanned the next page.
There were no examples.
Another note said the foster parent had “expressed uncertainty regarding capacity to manage long-term behavioral needs.”
Margaret sat back.
“I never said that.”
Daniel looked at her.
“Could they have misunderstood something?”
“No.”
She looked at the date.
“I remember that month.”
Claire leaned closer.
“Why?”
“Because that was when I asked whether your nightmares would keep you from being adopted.”
Claire froze.
Margaret turned to her.
“I did not ask because I minded the nightmares.”
“Then why?”
“I was afraid someone would use them against you.”
