Aaron cleared his throat and when I returned my gaze at him, he was already clenching his fists and I could see sweat bead on his forehead.My mind raced, piecing together fragments of conversations, half‑remembered rumors, the way Aaron had always avoided talking about his family beyond his brother.

"Welcome to the family Lena, it could be scary but then, I'd guide you through"

Aaron’s mother—no, my mother?—took a step forward, her hand reaching out as if to touch me, but she stopped ...