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.”

phone number, and address written on a card in his backpack.”

I gripped the edge of the counter. “Is he badly hurt?”

“Stable. Some bruises, a mild concussion, and a fractured wrist. But he won’t answer questions unless we call you.”

I should have refused. I should have told them to contact child services, the police—anyone else. But a child was asking continue reading …