For a few seconds after my mother said she could not congratulate me for “defying God’s will,” no one moved.

children’s Bible, and a letter.

Mariana,

A daughter is mercy. Do not make her pay for your pride. Let me pray over her before she is born. Let me cleanse what was done in that clinic. If you refuse, you will carry the weight of whatever happens.

Your mother.

I read the letter in Cecilia’s office and felt my hands go numb.

Cecilia said, “This crosses into continue reading …