“According to the notes from her caseworker, she’s adjusting. She’s been asking about you.”
I wipe away my tears.
“Can I see her?”
“Are you interested in becoming her guardian?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
“Okay. There’s a process for that. You’ll need to attend a hearing, provide documentation, undergo a home study. Given your age and the circumstances, there will be additional requirements.”
“Like what?”
“Proof of stable income. Proof of adequate housing. Character references. A background check. It typically takes several weeks to process.”
My gut sinks.Several weeks?
Zinnia’s been gone for days and it already feels like forever.
“What if I don’t have a job? I’m in college. What if––can I still see her?”
“Supervised visits can potentially be arranged but given that the perpetrator is your stepfather and you were also a victim in the incident, we’ll need to ensure the visits are appropriate and safe for the minor.”
Perpetrator. Victim. Minor.
She’s talking about my family like we’re a case file.
“So when can I see her?”
“I’ll make a note for her caseworker to reach out to you within the next few business days to discuss visitation options.”
“Few business days? That’ll be next week!”
“I understand your frustration, Miss Lopez. But we have protocols we need to follow to ensure the child’s safety.”
“I’m her sister. I would never—”
“I’m not suggesting you would. But these are the procedures we follow for all cases. Her caseworker will be in touch soon.”
“Please,” I whisper. My voice breaks. “Please just tell her I love her. Tell her I’m trying. Tell her I’m so sorry. I’m going to try my hardest.”
Silence on the other end for a moment. “I’ll make sure that message gets to her caseworker.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything else I can help you with today?”
“No. Thank you.”
I hang up before she can say anything else.
I sit there staring at the phone in my hand. At the black screen reflecting my face back at me—pale, hollow-eyed, broken.
Zinnia’s asking about me.
She’s in a stranger’s house asking about me and I can’t do anything about it.
Several weeks.
