The Girl I Adopted Had My Late Husband’s Eyes… But the Truth in Her Backpack Shattered Me

“Claire, I’m warning you…”

“You don’t get to tell me what to do.”

I walked over and knelt beside the girl.

“Hi. I’m Claire. What’s your name, honey?”

She looked at me cautiously. “Diane.”

“Those are beautiful eyes you have, Diane.”

She shrugged. “Thanks. Everyone says that.”

“My husband had the same eyes. One hazel, one blue.”

“Your husband?”

“Yes!”

A caretaker approached and spoke softly. “She’s been moved between several foster homes. They always send her back. Nobody really comes for the older ones. Twelve is too old, I guess.”

I looked at Diane again. So still. So guarded.

“I’ll come back,” I said.

The caretaker nodded.

And I left, already knowing I had made my decision.

Eleanor didn’t say a word during the drive home.

When I dropped her off, she grabbed my wrist.