ASHER
I wasn't prepared for that. I didn't expect Ashton to make that move or pose the question about our biological parents without running it by the rest of us first. My mouth dries up as the deafening silence in the room wears on.
Father is a rare image of shock and terror as his chest heaves with breath.
"What did you say?" He rasps.
Before Ashton can say anything in reply, we hear a slight whimper and tip our heads to find mother atop the staircase. She looks pale and disheveled in her night clothes. Pain radiates from her bloodshot eyes. Her grip tightens on the railing as she watches us, her lips hanging open. Her eyes rake us, a withering look blanketing her face.
"Mom?" Ashal whispers. Did she hear Ashton's question too? Is that why it appears like her soul has ditched her body?
She takes one step, misses and trips.