Dear Diary,
Today the house was a battlefield of words. Jane, my wife, stormed into the kitchen one morning, her curls bouncing with each angry step, and shouted, Alex, we need to send Lily back to the childrens home! I stared at her, mouth open, unable to grasp the absurdity of her demand.
Are you out of your mind? I asked, bewildered. How can we send her back? Weve just taken her in!
She snapped, Exactly! Were about to have our own baby; why keep a stranger here? She gestured wildly, as if the very act of adopting would make her less of a mother.
It was Gods blessing for us to help that little orphan find a family, I reminded her. You were the one who pushed for her adoption in the first place.
Janes eyes flashed. I was desperate for a child of my own. What family is complete without kids?
Little Lily, only five, lingered by the bedroom door, her small frame trembling with disbelief. The thought that she might not be our own, that she could be taken back to the orphanage, made tears spill from her eyes. She had been thrilled at the prospect of a new brother or sister, yet now that very joy seemed to threaten her very place with us.
Sensing her distress, I rose from the bed and went to the door. Lilys big, anxious eyes met mine. Dad, am I not yours? she whispered, voice cracking.
No, sweetheart, I said, scooping her into my arms, you are my daughter, my flesh and blood.
She sobbed, But you said you wanted to send me back to the childrens home! Does that mean Im not really yours?
I tried to soothe her. We took you in, but that doesnt make you any less family. The hormones are getting the best of Jane right now because of the baby were expecting. Let me put you to bed.
Later that day, Janes fury erupted again. Im leaving you and the baby, and youll never see us again! I want a proper family, no outsiders! she screamed.
I tried to calm her. Jane, there are no outsiders here. Lily is our daughter.
She glared, I never gave birth to her! Shes not my child! Chooseme or her!
I helped Lily pack a small bag. Youll stay with Grandma for a while so Mum isnt stressed. Once the baby arrives, shell settle down and well bring you back, okay? I said, hoping to ease the tension.
Lily nodded eagerly; anything to avoid returning to the orphanage. She loved Grandma, who always had a biscuit or a sweet treat ready.
Grandma, if Mum tries to send me away again, can I stay with you? Lily asked as she stepped onto the porch.
My motherinlaw, Margaret, looked sternly at me. I managed a weak smile, Janes hormones are playing tricks on her.
Of course, my dear, Margaret replied, helping Lily change out of her coat. Your mother wont really give you awayshes just scared.
Two months passed. Lily lived with Margaret, while I split my time between the office and the hospital where Jane was under observation. One morning, while Margaret was preparing breakfast, Lily pressed her face to the window and squealed, Dads home!
I arrived earlier than usual, surprising Margaret, who frowned at the unexpected sight. Youre usually home after noon, she muttered. Sensing something amiss, she sent Lily to the kitchen and went to greet me.
Im sorry, love, I said, collapsing onto the hallway bench, Jane passed away last night during labour. The baby didnt survive either. The words hung heavy in the quiet kitchen, the teacups forgotten.
After a moment, I told Margaret, Im taking Lily back home. She asked, Would you like me to stay with you for a while? I whispered, Thanks, Mum.
Lily stared at the new school uniform hanging on the coat rack, the crisp blazer and bright backpack promising the start of a new term. Just then the front door opened.
Dad! she shouted, rushing to greet me. I wasnt alone. A petite, wiry woman stood beside me, clutching a small bouquet.
This is Lisa, I announced, trying to sound upbeat. Shell be living with us now.
Lisa smiled gently at Lily, extending the flowers. A little gift for the first day of school.
Lily stared at the bouquet, then muttered, Hello, before retreating to her room. I heard my voice, Dont be upset, Lily. Shes a good girl. Lisa replied, I think well become friends.
Lily slammed her bedroom door, muttering, Enough of that!
In the months that followed, Lisa and I married quietly. At work I was promoted to senior manager, which meant long hours away from home. The responsibility for Lily fell heavily on Lisas shoulders. She did everything she couldhelped with homework, attended parentteacher meetings, took Lily to the cinema and cafés. Gradually, Lily softened and began to trust her stepmother. The house settled into a comfortable rhythm.
When the school year ended, another shock hit: Lisa discovered she was pregnant. Lily shut herself in her room, weeping for days. Lisa stood outside her door, pleading, Lily, please dont cry. I love you and I will never give you away. Well always be together.
Through tearstained eyes, Lily finally emerged, Really?
Lisa embraced her, Youre my own child, Lily. I wont let anyone take you.
A few months later, Lily cradled her newborn brother, marveling at his tiny fingers. Mum, look how funny he is! she exclaimed, unintentionally calling Lisa Mum. Lisa, fighting back tears of joy, hugged her tightly.
Two more years passed. Lily entered Year4 when tragedy struck againmy car crashed, and I was killed instantly. Lily and Lisa fell into a silent, grieffilled routine, caring for baby Colin while trying not to speak, fearing any word would break them. Colin, too young to understand, became irritable and demanding.
One night, after Colin fell asleep, Lisa sat beside Lily and said, Lily, we cant keep living like this. We have to move forward. Dad wont come back, but life does. Lets stop drowning in sorrow.
Lily nodded, Youre right. Hes gone.
Just as we tried to rebuild, a stern woman arrived at the door, introducing herself as an officer from Childrens Services. We need to place Lily in foster care; she has no parents now.
Lisa protested, What about me?
The officer demanded adoption papers. None existed. Theres no proof youre her legal guardians. Your grandmother is too old to care for her alone. You must hand her over.
Lilys reaction was different; she felt a cold indifference. Her worst nightmare materialisedshe was truly alone. Ill get you out of there! Lisa shouted, but Lily swallowed her tears, convinced no one needed an orphan now that her father was gone and Lisa had her own child.
Lisa visited the home occasionally, but Lily shut the door. Over time, Lisas visits grew rarer until she disappeared completely.
Nice try, motherfigure, Lily thought bitterly, a sour smile forming.
Two months later, a boy named Vicky, the local troublemaker, poked his head into Lilys room. What does the headmistress want with me? Lily wondered, bewildered.
The headmistress has a new placement for you, the director announced, Youll be part of a family, sort of.
Lily retorted, I dont want any family. Im cursed with families!
The director shrugged, Whether you like it or not, pack your things and go to your new parents.
She obeyed, indifferent once more. As she stepped out onto the orphanages front yard, she sawstanding thereLisa.
What are you doing here? Lily asked, detached.
Im here for you, Lisa replied. Youve already been adopted.
Lilys eyes widened, a flicker of hope breaking through. You?
Yes, Lisa said, smiling. I promised you Id never give you away. Though the system is corrupt, Ive managed to secure enough resourcesand a few bribesto give you a proper life. Were a family now. Come on, Colin misses you.
I felt a strange peace settle over me as I wrote these lines. Despite the chaos, the betrayals, and the losses, I have learned that love isnt defined by blood or legal papers alone. Its the steady presence, the willingness to fight for anothers safety, and the courage to rebuild after devastation. That is the lesson I carry forward, hoping it may guide anyone who reads this.
