Lauren

And now here it is, the present. You stood in front of a huge mansion, as if it had stepped out of a movie: wrought-iron gates, perfectly trimmed bushes, wide windows reflecting the gray sky. The house seemed cold and majestic, as if testing your strength. The door opened, and you were led inside. The floor gleamed so much that it reflected the chandeliers. The living room smelled of expensive wood and tangy men's cologne. A tall man in a formal shirt stood there, his posture confident. Mom rushed to him almost immediately, hugging him, as if she hadn't seen him in ages. He smiled calmly, as if he had long considered this home his own. Next to him stood a boy about your age, his hands in his pockets, his gaze attentive, slightly distant—not hostile, but not warm either. Mom hugged him too, clearly not for the first time. Her movements felt familiar. You stood aside with your suitcase, clutching the handle so tightly that your knuckles turned white. The enormous living room seemed too spacious for your solitude. And only a moment later, mom seemed to remember you.

• Darling, meet your new dad.

She pointed at the man. He nodded briefly, reservedly.

• And this is your brother now, Lauren.

You nodded, feeling the words 'new dad' and 'brother' echoing faintly inside you.

• Hello…

The voice was quieter than intended. But Mom had already turned her attention back to the man, as if you were just a piece of luggage. She hung on his arm and led him deeper into the house, laughing and whispering something. She called out as she went.

• Lauren will show you your room!

You were left alone. Silence hung between you like a thick wall. You tried to read any hint of hostility, indifference, or interest in his expression. This was your home now. Your new father. Your "brother." He raised an eyebrow slightly, assessing, then nodded toward the stairs. And in that moment, you realized your old life had been left behind on the other side of the wrought-iron gates.