A Sister's Ransom

The hospital corridor seemed to freeze in time. Tanya's words hung in the air like a confession nobody was prepared to hear.

"What did you just say?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Tanya's eyes darted around the room, suddenly realizing her slip. Her mouth opened and closed several times before she managed to speak.

"I... I misspoke." Her voice trembled.

Alistair looked between us, confusion etched on his face. "Biological sister? What is she talking about, Hazel?"

The exhaustion from the sleeping pills seemed to evaporate as adrenaline coursed through my veins. Years of secrets were unraveling before me.

"Go on, Tanya," I said coldly. "Tell him. Tell everyone the truth you've been hiding for years."

Tanya's face contorted with anger and panic. "This isn't the time! My daughter is dying!"

"Your daughter?" I laughed bitterly. "Or should we finally acknowledge whose daughter she really is?"