Yours Truly 2016 / Cascadia College / Bothell, WA | Page 100
***
What exactly is the protocol for inperson pho lunch dates with your long-lost
sister?
Slurping the broth off the porcelain
spoon, she said, “I had an abortion last
week.”
I tried not to choke on my rice noodles
as she continued, “I’m too young to have a
kid. And I couldn’t do what mom did. I saw
how hard it was for her to give you up. I
just couldn’t do that.” Looking up at me, she
pushed back a curly wisp of hair, waiting for
a response.
Shit. Did she blame me for her mom’s
lifelong sadness? For the alcoholism and
drug use? I know that relinquishing a kid
to adoption can really fuck up a birthmom’s
emotions, but dang, that’s a lot to process.
“How are you feeling about it all?” I
asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
***
The indigo velvet box was heavy in
my hands, and I worried I’d drop it as I
approached the pale blue crumpled hospital
sheets. Don’t talk to strangers. Parental
advice played on anxiety loo