Anonymous Mom Posts by Jenifer Goldin

Author:Jenifer Goldin [Goldin, Jenifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anchor Head Books
Published: 2023-03-20T16:00:00+00:00

Later, as I melt into a warm bath, my mind shifts back to Nora’s surgery day again. Three hours and twenty-two minutes after the procedure began, Nora’s surgeon appeared in the waiting area wearing a surgical gown and hat. She pulled the paper cap off her head and approached Troy and me. “I have great news. Nora’s heading to recovery. Everything went well. Keep busy, and before you know it, you’ll be seeing Melody for activation.”

“I can’t wait to start Nora’s hearing journey,” I said as I grasped the red plush heart to my chest.

A few moments later, a nurse called Troy and me to the recovery room, where Nora was slowly coming out of the anesthesia.

Hunching over the crib, I took in the sight of the thick bandages wrapped firmly around Nora’s head. A bulge of white fabric covered both her ears. I was desperate to engulf her in my arms and hold her close. Suddenly, I remembered the plush heart. I took it out of my bag and placed it next to her.

“I love you,” I said as I tucked it over her right shoulder. “I love you, Nora, and I can’t wait for the day when you will hear me say these words.”

As I step out of the bath, my cell phone rings and my memories fade.

“Laura, it’s Mr. Bronstein, from Hamilton High.”

My pulse shoots through my body. Why is the school counselor calling? “Is everything okay? Is Nora, okay?”

“Well, that’s why I’m calling. She was here first hour, but didn’t show up for her second class. Normally, I wouldn’t reach out so quickly, but since Nora’s been coming to school without her implants, I thought I should call.”

Suddenly, I’m on the edge of panic. “She should be there,” I say frantically. “Please let me know if you hear anything. I’ve got to go.” I end the call before Mr. Bronstein can say more.

I send a frantic text to Nora, but she doesn’t respond.

“Call me right away! Nora’s missing!” I screech into my phone, leaving a voicemail for Troy.

Flying up the stairs, I burst through the door to her bedroom. I open her computer and type in her password. Thank God I have a rule about knowing her passwords. The screen displays a chat from someone I’ve never heard of—Heidi.

Heidi: The pier 10 tomorrow. U in?

Nora: School?

Heidi: Teacher’s workday. Meet us. You can wear your implants

Nora: I’m done with those implants. I’m DEAF

Heidi: Bad a**

For a moment, I’m confused. Heidi must be one of the deaf teenagers Nora met at the mall. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Nora didn’t tell me she exchanged information with them. I scroll back in the conversation, looking for clues, and realize Nora’s been communicating with Heidi for several months. How did I miss this?

Looking at my watch, I see it’s just after ten.

My car skids as I pull into the parking lot surrounding the pier a few minutes later. Leaning my weight into the door, I push it open with too much force.

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