Running late for her abortion appointment, the woman realized she had left her documents in the car…

Paula waved back, then stood for a long time, watching the car leave. «Are you serious about adoption?» Katie asked. «Absolutely serious,» Paula answered.

«This boy changed my life. Now it’s my turn to change his.» The next day, Thursday, Paula returned to work.

She couldn’t sit at home and ponder anymore—she needed to act. First, she went to the chief physician of the hospital, Dr. Victor Stephens, with whom she had worked for many years. Paula, how are you feeling.

I heard you took time off. Dr. Stephens, I need to talk to you about a personal matter. She told him about her pregnancy, the decision to keep the child, about Mike and adoption plans.

The chief physician listened attentively, sometimes asking clarifying questions. «You know, Paula,» he said finally, «I’ve known and respected you for a long time as a specialist and as a person. If you’ve decided on adoption, you have good reasons.

The hospital will support your decision in every possible way. Thank you. I’ll need a salary certificate, a reference from work.

We’ll prepare everything. And regarding the pregnancy, how do you plan to combine work and motherhood? I’ll work until maternity leave, as usual. After the child’s birth, I’ll take the allotted leave, then return.

I have savings, no financial problems. Good. By the way, we have a new cardiothoracic surgeon, Eugene Coleman.

He moved to us from New York, very experienced specialist. He’d like to meet you, study our methods. Of course, I’ll be happy to work with him.

After talking with the chief physician, Paula went to the guardianship office. There they explained the adoption procedure: submitting an application, collecting documents, medical examinations, psychological testing, checking living conditions. The whole process could take from six months to a year.

You have an advantage, said the guardianship employee Marina Peterson. You knew the child’s mother. Of course, you have a stable job and income, good housing.

But there are difficulties. You’re a single woman, and pregnant. Not all commissions approve such cases.

What can be done to increase the chances? Collect documents carefully, prepare for interviews. It might be worth finding guarantors from colleagues or friends. And most importantly, show that an emotional bond has already been established between you and the boy.

Paula spent the whole day in various offices. By evening, she had a whole folder of documents and a clear action plan. Adopting Mike became her new goal, no less important than giving birth to her own child.

At home, she called Karen Abrams and told about the events of the last two days. «Are you crazy?» her friend exclaimed. «Pregnancy, adoption, one child not born yet, and you want to take a second.

Karen, you don’t understand. This boy is special. And he’s Nina’s son.

What Nina? Nina Reynolds, my school friend. Remember, I told you about her—the girl with peculiarities who predicted events? I remember. But that doesn’t mean you have to adopt her child.

It does, Paula said firmly. He needs a family, and I need meaning in life. We fit each other.

And what will Alex say when he finds out about his child? I don’t know and don’t care about his opinion. He chose his path, I choose mine. The next day, Friday, Paula went to the MacArthur Orphanage.

It was an old building in the industrial district of the city, surrounded by a high fence. Inside, it smelled of disinfectant and institutional food. The walls were painted a dull green, iron benches stood in the corridors.

The orphanage director, Valentina Ivanovna Cherenkova, was a woman in her sixties, with a stern face and strict manners. She received Paula in her office, filled with folders and documents. Michael Reynolds, she said, finding the right file.

Problem child. Run away for the second time. Says strange things, scares other children.

What strange things? Various predictions. He’ll say there will be an inspection tomorrow, or warn that one of the caregivers will have trouble. The staff thinks he’s a bit.

Off. And what do the psychologists say? Psychologists say the boy has developed intuition and a tendency to fantasize. They recommend not paying attention to his inventions.

Can I see him? Of course. But I warn you—he’s withdrawn, distrustful. He hardly talks to strangers.

Valentina led Paula to the common room, where children were doing homework. Mike sat in the corner at a separate table, bent over a notebook. When he saw Paula, his face lit up.

Paula. You came? Of course I came. I promised.

The director looked at them in surprise. You already know each other? Yes, we met yesterday. Paula knew my mom, Mike explained.

I see. Well, talk then. I have things to do.

Valentina left, and Paula sat next to Mike. How are things? Didn’t scold you for running away? Not too much. Deprived of sweets for a week and banned from watching TV.

But that’s nothing. Tell me about your life here. Mike told about the daily routine in the orphanage.

Wake up at seven in the morning, breakfast, school, lunch, clubs or free time, dinner, lights out at nine in the evening. No entertainment, no holidays, no warmth. Do you have friends? No.

Other kids are afraid of me. They say I’m a wizard. Why are they afraid? Because sometimes I know what I shouldn’t know….