For the first time, my jealousy no longer felt irrational.
Sarah had created a public version of Emma’s life in which she occupied the place that belonged to me.
“Love Is What Makes Someone Family”
That night, I sat on the edge of Emma’s bed.
I kept my voice soft.
“Do you ever feel confused because you have both a mom and a stepmom?”
Emma shook her head.
“No. Sarah says it’s fine when people think she’s my mom.”
I felt a cold heaviness settle in my stomach.
“Why does she say that?”
Emma shrugged.
“She says love is what makes people family, not who gave birth to you.”
The statement sounded beautiful.
That was what made it so difficult to challenge.
Of course love made a family.
Of course biology was not the only meaningful bond between people.
Adoptive parents, grandparents, stepparents, guardians, and countless others proved that every day.
