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