My social worker, Denise, eventually told me the truth. Karen and Richard had signed the final surrender papers.
They had legally erased me.
On day twenty-eight, I was in remission. Dr. Collins came in smiling.
“You’re responding beautifully,” he said. “We can move to outpatient care soon.”
“Where will she go?” Megan asked immediately.
Denise looked at her clipboard. “Foster care. I have a family experienced with medical needs.”
My stomach dropped.
Then Megan said, “I want to take her.”
Everyone turned.
“I want to foster her,” she continued. “I’m already approved. I completed the state training two years ago. I can do this.”
Denise looked concerned. “Megan, this is not temporary babysitting. She has years of treatment ahead.”
“I know,” Megan said. Then she looked at me. “If Emily wants to come home with me.”
For the first time in weeks, the future did not look completely dark.
