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“How long?”

The question hits me in the chest.

This isn't a story for a parking lot.

But she deserves an answer.

“It seems like forever.”

“Did you know Mae had me?”

“No.”

“Did you know she raised me?”

“No.”

Sage wipes a tear away.

“Did you give me to her?”

“No.”

The word comes out too quickly.

Too loudly.

She flinches.

I soften my voice.

“No, sweetheart. I didn't.”

Her face crumples at the word.

I almost apologize for using it.

Then she asks, “Did you want me?”

My heart breaks open.

“Yes.”

One step.

That's all I take.

“I wanted you more than anything.”

Tears spill down her cheeks.

“My parents took you from me. Mae promised to keep you safe. I asked her to take you to Sean.”

Sage looks at him.

Sean stands several feet away.

Not interfering.