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

Emily Rivera.

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

“You’re mine now,” she said. “Forever.”

By fifteen, I was in maintenance treatment. My hair had started growing back, and I had energy again. But I had fallen behind in school.