The Unexpressed Dilemma

The possibility of Olive’s birth parents reappearing, which often happened in the foster care world, was something that Ana and Owen had already discussed. They thought it was unlikely, but the idea of any of their adopted children searching for their biological roots was a struggle.

Ana’s resistance wasn’t just about the logistics—it was deeply personal. She couldn’t shake the frustration she felt toward parents who abandoned their children for any reason. This belief shaped her view of the situation, making her see the search as reopening a painful past. To her, it was about chasing people who hadn’t shown enough care from the beginning.