The hospital called and said a little boy had listed me as his emergency contact. I laughed nervously and said, “That’s impossible. I’m 32, single, and I don’t have a son.”

meeting tonight.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“We’re looking.”
I turned toward the small window in Oliver’s door. He was sitting very still, clutching the blanket like it was the only solid thing in the world.
“What do I do?” I asked.
Detective Reed’s voice softened. “Stay with him until child protective services arrives. Tell the staff to flag his chart.continue reading …