PRIVATE.
Inside were letters from Marjorie.
The first described Anna arriving while she was nearly six months pregnant.
“She continues to ask whether Walter knows about the baby. As you requested, I have told her that contacting him would only cause further trouble.”
I read the sentence again, slowly.
Another letter described the days after the birth. Anna had been reluctant to sign. She had asked again whether I knew. She had cried when they took the baby from her.
I lowered the page.
All those years, I had carried the memory of a girl who didn’t want me. Somewhere else, Anna had been carrying the memory of asking for me and being refused.
Near the bottom of the stack was a letter about the baby’s placement.
“Carol is eager to proceed once the wedding has taken place. Walter understands that the birth mother has requested no contact. We will
