I hung up and couldn’t shake the image of that tiny baby I’d delivered four years ago.
Now she was a little girl in a shelter, alone and scared, paying for her parents’ crimes.
Something broke open in my chest. I’d carried her for nine months. I’d felt her kick.
I’d brought her into this world. And now she had nobody.
I called the Child Protective Services. It took several transfers before I reached the right department.
“This is Mrs.
Chen with foster care services. How can I help you?”
My voice shook. “My name’s Rachel.
I was a surrogate four years ago for a woman who was recently arrested. I gave birth to a little girl named Sophie, and I understand she’s in the system now. I’d like to inquire about fostering her.”
There was a pause.
“You’re the birth surrogate?”
“Yes, Detective Williams told me she’s in a shelter. I can’t stop thinking about her. I have a stable home, a good job, and a son who’d love a sister.
What do I need to do?”
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