A Place for Annie

Nurse Susan, who has been caring for six-week-old Annie, decides she cannot let the baby be left at Treemont Centre to die. She discusses the plan with her son David, who is understandably concerned, and they proceed to file and sign adoption papers. Annie becomes legally Susan's foster daughter, and Susan arranges for a babysitter to help.

One year later, on Annie's first birthday, Linda's attorney Alice informs Susan that Annie's mother Linda has finished rehab and has filed a motion with a court. Alice represents Linda in the legal proceeding. Susan fights for custody but loses the case, with Linda granted supervised visits while the court reviews the matter.

During one of Linda's supervised visits, Susan notices Linda's surprisingly apathetic demeanor toward her own daughter, confirming her concerns about Linda's care. The interaction deepens Susan's resolve to protect Annie. This moment strains the ongoing custody battle.

Linda refuses to phone or keep Susan updated on Annie's progress, and Susan and David discover Linda's slovenly apartment. They remove Annie from the premises to safeguard her health, which leads to a judge awarding custody to Linda the very next day.

The judge rules in favor of Linda the next day, keeping Annie in Linda's care despite concerns raised by Susan. The decision forces Susan to reassess her options and her role in Annie's life. The legal battle continues even as living arrangements change.

Seeing no alternative, Susan invites Linda to live in her own home to ensure Annie has decent accommodations. Many heated confrontations follow as they navigate cohabitation, but Linda opens up about her troubled childhood while Susan shares her own experience of being disowned by her parents.

The conversations with Susan lead Linda to realize that she wanted Annie mainly to be a mother and to redeem her life by doing something right. This insight reframes her motivation and deepens her commitment to Annie's wellbeing. The moment marks a turning point in her perspective on family.

Days later, Susan calls Linda's mother to inform her of Linda's progress, but the response is distant and unhelpful. The lack of support underscores the fractured family dynamics surrounding Annie. Susan is left to navigate the situation with limited backup from the maternal side.

Linda laments the difficulty of seeking forgiveness for her past choices and recognizes Susan's generosity and unconditional care. She comes to terms with her life choices and the impact on Annie. The emotional struggle highlights the fragile path toward reconciliation.

On the way to having a smoke, Linda collapses in the hallway and is rushed to the hospital. In the ambulance, she tells the doctors that she may not survive and asks to be allowed to go when her time comes. The moment intensifies the urgency of the family situation.

The next day, a doctor informs Susan that Annie is no longer testing positive for HIV antibodies. It is explained that Annie contracted the antibodies at birth, not the virus itself, meaning she can live a long, normal life. The diagnosis changes the future prospects for Annie's health and family life.

Linda recovers enough to return to Susan's home and checks on Annie, expressing hope that Annie will have a great life. The reunion is tentative but hopeful, as both women reassess their roles. Annie's future seems brighter as health issues recede.

Sometime later, Linda decides to enter hospice so Annie won’t have to witness her decline. Susan reluctantly agrees that this is the right choice. Linda gives Annie a letter to deliver to Susan, outlining her final wishes and asking for understanding.

Linda departs for hospice, and Susan and Annie wave goodbye. Susan reads Linda's letter, which is the maternity document relinquishing all legal custody of Annie to Susan. The letter cements the new family arrangement and marks the end of Linda's direct parental role.

With the formal custody settled, Annie begins a new, healthier chapter under Susan's care. Linda's presence fades, but the bond between Susan and Annie reinforces a stable home. The story closes on the hope of a long, normal life for Annie.