"But I remember you," I say. "And I'm going to find a way to show you that I never stopped looking. Never stopped loving you. Never stopped being your big sister."
I click on theReplybutton.
Dear Mr. Dawson,
Thank you again for all the information you compiled in the report. After reviewing the documents, I have a few follow-up questions I’m hoping you can help me with.
Specifically, I’d like to request the name of the staff member from the group home who recommended that my sister’s adoption be closed. I also need to know who officially labeled me as a “troubled child” or claimed that I had run away from the facility. These are serious statements, and I’d like to understand who made those determinations and what they were based on.
Additionally, I noticed a line indicating that Hazel—now Elizabeth—has no knowledge of my existence. Can you confirm whether this is still the case? Was she ever told she had a sister, or has that information been withheld from her entirely? Does she even know she's adopted?
I appreciate your discretion and assistance as I try to make sense of everything.
Warm regards,
Elle Keaton
After clickingSend, I lean back in the chair and take a few deep breaths, trying to ground myself. Sitting here and waiting for Dawson’s reply will only drive me crazy. Maybea run will help clear my head… settle the nerves twisting in my gut.
***
Emotional instability.
Behavioral challenges.
Runaway.
Absconded from state care. The words play on a loop in my mind, each one landing harder than the last with every pounding step of my run.
All lies.
Who at the center would blatantly lie about me… just to keep me from ever seeing my sister again?
Who would fabricate a story about me running away?
Who... and why?
***
I remove my running shoes just inside the door and toss them aside, eager to check my email, hoping Dawson responded to my request.
I swipe the sweat from my face and tap open my inbox, my chest still rising and falling from the run. The moment I see Dawson’s name, I stop breathing—one trembling finger hovering over the touchpad, afraid to click.
I read his message once.
Then again.
And again.
Elle,
I understand how difficult this must be for you, and I want you to know I’ve pursued every lead thoroughly. The information you’re asking about—who labeled you a behavioral risk and recommended the closed adoption—came from a file someone allowed me limited access to, under the condition that their involvement stay confidential.
I gave my word I wouldn’t expose them, and for professional and ethical reasons, I have to honor that promise. To protect that source, I can’t disclose the staff member’s name either.
If you’re determined to pursue it, there might be a way through the courts. Just know it could take time, and it won’t be easy.
Regarding your other question, my search did not uncover any records indicating a formal disclosure of a biological sibling. Such disclosures are typically at the discretion of the adoptive parents. Please let me know if you would like me to pursue an investigation into what, if anything, the Callahan family has disclosed to Izzy/Beth.
