The matter is closed.

All inquiries are to be directed through the agency.

Please remind her that the adoptive family’s privacy must be respected.

I stared at the page.

My father had claimed for thirty-one years that he knew nothing after I signed.

“There’s another one,” Lillian said.

She passed me a receipt dated two days before the adoption, showing a payment for “family coordination and legal expenses.” The amount was substantial for our household at the time.

“Why would my parents pay this?” I asked.