Woman Adopts a Girl Who Doesn’t Speak English, Then Learns a Shocking Truth Once She Can Communicate

After learning she could never have a child of her own, Annie’s doctor offered her a different path to motherhood. That path led her to adoption and to a little girl named Abiona, who spoke no English at first. But once her daughter learned enough to express herself, she revealed a truth that would change Annie’s life forever.

Annie sat nervously in Dr. Martinez’s office, surrounded by posters of smiling families. The doctor, a kind woman with a calm presence, motioned for her to sit.

Trying to sound hopeful, Annie asked, “So when can we start the fertilization process?”

Dr. Martinez inhaled slowly before answering. “I’m so sorry, Annie. The test results show that you won’t be able to have children.”

The words landed heavily. Annie’s chest tightened. The doctor explained that IVF wasn’t a realistic option due to high risks and low chances of success. Then she gently suggested another possibility and placed a booklet in Annie’s hands. It was filled with photos and stories of children in need of homes.

Later that evening, Annie sat alone at her kitchen table, flipping through the booklet in the quiet of her house. One photo stopped her cold. A small child with a bright smile stared back at her.

Her hands shaking, Annie picked up the phone and called the adoption agency.

A few days later, she met with Caitlin, a social worker, in a modest office. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” Caitlin said as she ushered Annie in.

“That’s okay,” Annie replied, trying to steady herself.

They talked at length about Annie’s work, her home, and why she wanted to adopt.

“Do you understand how much time and energy this takes?” Caitlin asked. “It’s not just part of the day.”

“I do,” Annie said without hesitation. “I’m ready to give a child everything I have.”

Caitlin nodded thoughtfully. “Adoption can be difficult, especially at first. But I think you’re ready.”

Annie exhaled. “Thank you.”

The next morning, Annie’s phone rang while she was eating breakfast.

“Annie?” Caitlin asked. “We may have found a child for you.”

Annie’s heart skipped.

“She’s six years old,” Caitlin continued. “Her name is Abiona. She’s from Congo and doesn’t speak English. Would you like to meet her today?”

Annie hesitated. “Six… and no English? I need some time to think.”

“Of course,” Caitlin said gently.

Annie spent the day wrestling with doubt. She’d always imagined becoming a mother to a baby. But this might be her only chance.

The next day, she called back with a clear answer. Yes.

When Annie arrived at the foster home, her heart pounded. A woman answered the door, barely hiding her impatience.

“I’m Annie. I’m here to meet Abiona.”

The house was loud and chaotic. Kids ran everywhere. The television blared. But in one quiet corner sat a small girl, drawing silently.

“That’s her,” the woman said flatly. “She doesn’t talk to anyone.”

Annie knelt beside the girl. “Did you draw these?” she asked softly.

Abiona nodded, saying nothing.

“She doesn’t understand English,” the foster mother added dismissively.

“That’s okay,” Annie replied, sitting beside her. She picked up a pencil and began to draw.

She sketched a house and a woman. “This is my home,” Annie said gently. “Would you like to live with me?”

Abiona studied the page, then drew a small figure beside Annie’s.

Annie smiled through tears.

At home, Annie showed Abiona her bedroom. The girl explored quietly until she found paints and brushes. She began drawing immediately, humming to herself.

Over the next few months, Annie taught Abiona English through drawing and play. Slowly, words began to form.

One day, reading a picture book, Annie pointed and said, “This is a family. I’m Mom. You’re my daughter.”

Abiona burst into tears.

“I have Mom and Dad,” she said softly, pointing to a drawing. “Bad men took me.”

Annie froze.

With careful words, Abiona explained she had been taken from her parents. The police rescued her. She clutched a small handmade toy.

“I don’t remember Mom’s face,” she said. “But she smelled like honey. She gave me this.”

Annie hugged her tightly, heart breaking.

Months later, Abiona woke in the night struggling to breathe. Annie rushed her to the hospital.

After tests, a doctor spoke quietly. “I’m very sorry. Abiona is terminally ill. She has only days left.”

Annie couldn’t breathe.

When Abiona woke later, she whispered, “I want to see my mom.”

Determined, Annie took the handmade toy to the police. They traced DNA and found Abiona’s biological mother, Tendey.

Annie went to her home.

“I don’t want to see her,” Tendey said coldly. “I gave her up.”

Desperate, Annie noticed bottles inside. “Do you sell perfume? Honey-scented?”

“Yes,” Tendey said, confused.

“How much?”

That night, Annie searched online and found an actress who resembled Tendey. She explained everything.

“I’ll do it,” the woman said gently.

The next day, sprayed with honey perfume, the actress sat beside Abiona.

“This is your mom,” Annie whispered.

Abiona smiled faintly. “You smell like Mom.”

“I am,” the woman said softly.

Abiona thanked Annie and drifted to sleep.

That night, Abiona passed away in Annie’s arms.

“You were loved,” Annie whispered. “Always.”