“You can still change your mind. Nothing is final yet.”
For the first time since my son had been born, I felt like I could breathe again.
I turned toward the hospital.
Michael grabbed my arm.
“Emily, think about our life.”
I pulled myself free.
“That is exactly what I’m doing.”
Then I started running.
I left the empty baby carrier on the pavement and rushed back through the hospital doors.
By the time I reached the maternity floor, I was crying so hard I could barely speak.
“I want my baby back.”The social worker stood up from her desk.
Michael arrived several seconds later.
“Emily, stop. You’re making an emotional decision.”
I turned toward him.
“No. I made an emotional decision when I signed those papers because I was terrified.”
The hallway went silent.
Then I asked the question I had been afraid to say out loud.
