A Hospital Text Exposed Everything

I found out my mother had a new family through a hospital text. I wasn’t supposed

to see it. I’m the oldest of three. Or at least, I thought I was.

My mom raised me and my brother alone after our dad left. No child support. Two jobs.

Always tired. Always saying, “It’s just us.” I moved out at eighteen. Worked construction.

Sent money when I could. My brother stayed close. Lived with her.

Helped out. We weren’t a close family, but we checked in. Birthdays.

Holidays. Short calls. Then last month, my phone buzzed at 2:14 a.m.

Unknown number. One text. “Room 312 is ready. Your daughter is stable.”