chapter 27

The atmosphere in the house was different—subtly lighter, as if a long-held breath had finally been released.

Kara noticed it first thing in the morning. Her father, Alden, greeted her with a rare warmth and lightness in his voice that she hadn't seen in a long time. His eyes didn't carry the same weight they used to. He even joked at breakfast, something she hadn't heard in months.

And then there was Jane.

Kara had caught her more than once that day looking at her—eyes glossy, a small, wistful smile playing on her lips. It wasn't like the other stares she was used to getting—judgmental or pitiful. This one was different. Deep. Emotional.

What is wrong with that woman? Kara thought, frowning as she watched Jane wipe her eyes while arranging the tablecloth. She's been acting strange ever since my father announced that dinner.

She didn't want to admit it, but Jane's quiet strength was getting under her skin—in a good way. Ever since their confrontation, Kara hadn't been able to shake the image of Jane standing there, willing to take a slap just to calm her down. It haunted her… and humbled her. That kind of person couldn't be fake. There had to be more to her.

As Kara stood by the window, arms folded, she noticed her father laughing softly with Ethan in the garden. The sight warmed her heart, but it also stirred something else. Questions. She had always wondered about her real parents—why they gave her and Ethan away, why no one ever came back for them. But she had buried those feelings deep down, replacing them with anger and pride. Still, with Jane and Alden acting so strange lately, something was stirring inside her.

That evening, Alden called everyone to the living room.

"Tomorrow night," he announced, "we will all sit together for a proper family dinner. No excuses. There's something I need to share with you—something important."

His voice held weight, but also peace. He didn't look burdened anymore. He looked… fulfilled.

Kara narrowed her eyes. She glanced at Jane, who quickly looked away, and then at Ethan, who looked equally curious.

What is going on? she wondered, heart ticking faster than usual. Whatever it is, I'm not sure I'm ready.

But deep down, something told her this dinner wasn't just about food or family bonding. It was about truth—truth that could change everything.

The small cafe was cozy and half-empty, the dim lighting offering privacy, the soft jazz music in the background blending with the occasional hum of espresso machines. Kara sat by the window with a steaming cup of coffee in her hands, staring outside as raindrops tapped gently on the glass. Ethan sat across from her, his gaze fixed on her as if weighing his thoughts before speaking.

ETHAN:Kara... I didn't ask you here to argue or point fingers. I just... I needed someone to talk to. Someone who gets it.

Kara sighed and took a sip of her coffee, her shoulders tense.

KARA:Yeah, well... you picked the right person. No one else seems to care about the mess in that house anyway.

ETHAN:I care. You know that.

Kara looked up at him. His tone was soft, sincere. She believed him.

KARA:Then tell me, Ethan... have you noticed how different Alden has been? The drinking? The late nights? The forced smiles? He's acting like someone who's... hiding something.

Ethan nodded slowly.

ETHAN:I've noticed. And I've thought about it too. At first, I figured maybe it was just work stress. Or maybe... something about us—

KARA (interrupting):—That we're not really his?

The words hung in the air like a storm cloud.

ETHAN:Kara... don't say that.

KARA:Why not? It's true, isn't it? We're not his real kids. We were taken in. Rescued, maybe, but not really... part of him. What if he's found someone else? Someone related to him by blood? What happens to us then?

ETHAN (firmly):Kara, he chose us. He raised us. You think that means nothing?

KARA:But what if he regrets it? What if he found something or someone and now he wants to fix the past and forget us?

Ethan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his fingers wrapped around his cup.

ETHAN:I don't think it's about forgetting us. I think it's about remembering someone. You know... he once told me that we reminded him of someone he lost. I thought he meant a friend. But now...

KARA:Now what?

ETHAN:Now I think he meant family. Maybe even someone really close. Like a brother.

Kara's eyes softened. Her voice lowered.

KARA:You think this announcement tomorrow has something to do with that?

ETHAN:I do. And maybe it's not bad. Maybe it's the truth—one we should have heard a long time ago.

KARA:But why now? Why after all these years? And why is Jane suddenly acting so... emotional around me?

Ethan went silent for a moment, looking down at his hands.

ETHAN:You've noticed it too.

KARA:It's like she knows something about me. And the way she looks at Alden... it's like they share some secret. I don't like it, Ethan. It makes me feel like my whole life has been a lie.

She rubbed her hands together anxiously.

KARA (quietly):I've always hated our real parents for leaving us. For making us feel unwanted. But now... I don't know what to feel.

Ethan leaned closer.

ETHAN:Maybe it's time to find out the truth, Kara. No matter how ugly or painful it is. I don't think Alden ever stopped looking for answers. And maybe he's finally found them.

Kara's eyes welled with tears, but she blinked them away quickly.

KARA:But what if I can't forgive them? What if knowing the truth makes everything worse?

ETHAN:Then at least we'll know. At least we'll stop wondering every time someone looks at us too long. Or hesitates before speaking. At least we'll have a piece of the puzzle.

They sat in silence for a while. Rain continued tapping against the window. Outside, the street lights flickered on, casting a warm glow on the wet pavement.

KARA (softly):I'm scared, Ethan.

ETHAN:Me too. But you won't go through this alone. Whatever happens tomorrow... we face it together.

Kara finally smiled—a small, fragile smile—but it was real.

KARA:Thanks, big brother.

Ethan chuckled lightly.

ETHAN:Anytime, little troublemaker.