Three Calls Before I Died

Summary

My father began his affair while my mother was still pregnant with me. And from the moment she found out, she turned all of that venom toward the child growing inside her belly.

When I was three days old, she left me at the threshold of a county children’s home, turned on her heel, and never looked back.

She washed her hands of me and started a brand-new family.

Growing up, I was desperate for even the thinnest crumb of her affection. If she wouldn't come visit, I would dig up change for the payphone and call her.

"Mom, I got straight A’s this semester."