The Eighteen-Year Lie

s voice low and sooth

was born. Postpartum, the doctors said. S

is real. I remember her laug

, protective love for a daug

exhaustion. "We've been hap

now quietly eating an apple,

ked li

things," I said, s

h, do

closet. Emily's little rain boots

es, my shoes, and a pair

hrough t

I muttered.

he end of the hall. It was pa

th a superhero comforter

cried out. "Where are h

. He stood in the do

ys been Ethan'

birth certificate! I have it. I

e small fireproof box where

umbled wit

s, our marriage certificate

led i

Date of birth: October 12th. P

th hitc

I whispered. "S

shoulders. "Sarah, please

ling away. "Someone took my daug

aded. "You'll only upset

y phone. I

old the operator. "Her name i

officer was in our livin

Emily, her blonde hair, her blue eyes,

e me, his head

s voice heavy, that I hadn't been well. That I

otos Mark showed him. He looke

e points to your son, Ethan. There are no records of a daughter named Emil

talk to my do

n my mind. Mark h

crazy," I said,

dn't meet

The house fel

Mark took me

delusional disorder.

d starte