My parents abandoned me in a hospital at 13 because my ca.nc.er treatment was “too expensive.” 15 years later, hearing I was the Valedictorian of Columbia University College, they demanded VIP tickets

me away.

“I want to adopt you,” she said quickly, tears already in her eyes. “Not just foster. I want you to be my daughter forever. Would that be okay?”

I could not speak. I just threw my arms around her neck.

The adoption became official on my fourteenth birthday.

I became Emily Rivera.

Megan gave me a silver necklace with both our initials on it.

“You’re continue reading …