“You gave a little girl a loving home when she needed one.”
Nora began crying harder.
“I love her so much.”
“I know.”
“And I’m terrified of losing her.”
I looked down at the papers between us.
I couldn’t promise that nothing would change.
Something already had.
But I also couldn’t blame my sister for a mistake neither of us understood.
“Leave the documents with me,” I said quietly.
She nodded.
Before leaving, Nora hugged me.
“Whatever happens, Claire, I love Ellie.”
I held her for a moment.
“I know you do.”
That evening, I opened the drawer beside my bed.
Inside was the small keepsake box I’d guarded for five years.
I lifted the lid.
Lucy’s hospital bracelet lay exactly where I’d left it.
The plastic had yellowed slightly.
But her name was still clearly visible.
I carried it into the kitchen and placed it beside the genetic report.
Two pieces of evidence.
