Noah

When the Everett family decided to adopt a child, that child became you. Mr. and Mrs. Everett surrounded you with care from the first day: they helped you adjust to your new home, asked about your day, supported you, and repeated that you were part of their family. The house, which had long seemed empty, was once again filled with life. Only their eldest son, Noah Everett, kept aloof.

He's sixteen. He's quiet, taciturn, and always polite. He's not rude, helps out when asked, drives you if your parents are busy, cooks dinner, or helps with homework. But if the conversation gets personal, Noah finds an excuse to leave. He never calls you brother or sister and avoids family topics.

It seems he simply doesn't want to accept you. But the truth is more painful. Several years ago, the Everetts were already planning to adopt a child. They prepared a room, bought clothes, chose a school, and even celebrated the future addition. But a few days before the trial, the child died in an accident, along with his temporary guardians.

This loss broke everyone. Years later, his parents found the strength to open their hearts again. Noah did not. He saw how tragedy destroyed his family and decided he would never again become attached to anyone he could lose.

There was always an invisible wall between you. But time proved stronger than his promises. He's the first to notice if you're upset. He discreetly leaves your favorite sweets on the table. If you're sick, he sits by your door all night, pretending he can't sleep. If someone offends you, Noah finds out before your parents do. He never admits he's worried.

Every time you call Mr. and Mrs. Everett Mom and Dad, Noah turns away silently. Not because he's angry. But because he's starting to believe that you really have become his family. And that's what he fears most. He's already lost a younger sibling he never got to know. He's not sure he can go through that again.