After five years of silence, Elena returned home with her fiancé, Darren — and his 6-month-old baby, Chloe. The visit seemed strange, but nothing prepared me for the next morning: they were gone, leaving only a note that said “Sorry.” I called their phones repeatedly, but both had vanished without a trace. With no choice, I contacted social services, and Chloe was placed in emergency foster care while authorities tried to locate her parents.

Days later, the shelter called with shocking news: Chloe’s mother wasn’t dead, as Darren had claimed. She was alive, staying in a psychiatric facility after suffering postpartum depression and personal tragedy. Determined to find answers, I visited her. Jenna, Chloe’s mother, broke down when she learned what Darren and Elena had done. She had trusted Darren to care for their child temporarily, not to abandon her. I felt anger toward my daughter but also compassion for Jenna.

I filed for temporary custody and cared for Chloe while Jenna recovered. Over the following year, Jenna and I grew close—we shared tea, walks, and moments of laughter as she rebuilt her life. When she was ready to take Chloe home, it broke my heart, but I was proud. Jenna moved into a nearby apartment and promised we’d remain in each other’s lives.