My mom gave up all her parental rights to my dad and left when I was 8 months old. My dad said she never asked about me, and I’ve never met or spoken to her.

A year ago, I saw her name on the schedule for an appointment—I work at a big law firm. I was shocked when she came in. Without looking at me or saying hello, she gave her name and went to the reception area. I tried to be nice and offered her coffee or tea, but she said no. She looked thin and weak—not like the tall, strong woman I imagined from her old photos.