The original consent document contained my signature.

I remembered signing it while terrified of losing my home.

The file also included the fabricated no-contact letter, which had been placed with the adoption materials as if I had written it voluntarily.

There was correspondence from my father pressing the agency to prevent future inquiries.

The most alarming item was a handwritten note by Celia Brandt: Family requests immediate closure; mother may attempt to reverse decision; discourage direct contact.

Andrea was careful not to turn the note into more than it proved.