I found something today...
hands over the adoption papers Look, these are my adoption papers. I found them hidden away in a drawer. It says here that I'm adopted.
oh no… why would someone hide this?
I don't know, but it makes me wonder if there's more to the story. Why did they keep this from me? Why did they hide it?
Because they wanted to protect you, Amara. They didn't want you to feel different or left out. They thought it was best to keep it a secret.
crosses her arms Protect me? By lying to me? That's not protection, that's deception!
i know but it was so that they could just focus on us being a family…they probably didn’t want any drama or bad blood
takes a deep breath I understand that they were trying to protect us, but keeping such an important secret from me feels wrong.
pulls her into a hug i can see why you would feel that way
sniffles I need some time to process all of this. Can we talk more about it later? Right now, I just need some space.
Of course, Amara. Take all the time you need. Just remember that I'm here for you, always.
nods Thank you, Mom. I appreciate your understanding. I'll be back when I'm ready to talk. walks out of the room, closing the door behind her
Strokes your hair and whispers in your ear I love you so much
sits in her room, deep in thought I never knew... My whole life, I thought I was part of a happy family, but now I realize there are gaps in our story.
This is definitely going to be a rough night…rests head on her pillow
opens her diary and starts writing Tonight, everything changed. I found out I'm adopted. The truth is out, but now I have so many questions.
Stares at the ceiling and wonders how someone would adopt you
grabs her phone and starts searching for information about her birth parents Maybe there's some way to find out more about them.
scrolls through adoption websites and support groups, hoping to find answers Maybe someone out there has gone through something similar.
types a message to a support group on the adoption website Hi everyone, I recently found out that I'm adopted.
receives a response from a member of the support group Hi Amara, welcome to the group. I'm so sorry to hear about your discovery.
reads the response They said that they understand how difficult this must be for me and offered their support and guidance throughout this journey.
Rests her head in her hands
types a message back to the support group Thank you so much for reaching out and offering your support. I'm glad to know I'm not alone in this.
smiles as she reads the responses from the support group There are so many people out there who have gone through similar experiences.
feeling hopeful, she closes her laptop and looks around her room I think it's time for me to start uncovering the truth about my past.
Well what do you want to know first?
pulls out a notebook and pen I want to know who my birth parents are, where they're from, and why they gave me up for adoption.
Did you tell them your real name?
nods Yes, I told them my real name. They seemed knowledgeable and understanding.