SHE SAID MY 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER “FELL”—THEN MY TERRIFIED CHILD WHISPERED, “SHE TOLD ME TO LIE.”
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Chapter 13 / 15
Chapter 13 - RACHEL LOSES THE ADOPTION
The child-welfare finding did not classify Rachel as a monster.
It documented:
inappropriate physical discipline involving water,
coercive behavior,
instruction to conceal circumstances,
emotional intimidation.
No severe physical injury.
No pattern of hitting.
But enough.
Rachel withdrew the adoption petition before the court could decide it.
Her lawyer called it:
“without prejudice.”
Meaning she could theoretically petition again someday.
Sarah knew she would oppose it.
The marriage also ended.
Not immediately.
Separation first.
Then divorce filing.
Rachel asked Sarah:
“Was none of it real?”
Sarah answered:
May you like
“Some of it was.”
That was why it hurt.
