“Emily…these are your parents. Your biological parents.” The air in the hallway thickened, silence pressing down on all of them. Emily stood frozen, her eyes wide, her hand still clutching the damp dish towel as though it were the only thing tethering her. The woman stepped forward, her tears spilling freely now.
“My baby,” she whispered, her voice breaking as she reached for Emily’s hand. “I’ve missed you every single day. Eighteen years—I thought I’d never see you again.” She clasped Emily’s fingers as if afraid they’d slip away, her sobs shaking her shoulders. The man moved beside her, his hand steady on Emily’s arm. His voice was rough, weighted by years of desperation.