Freed

4

**Lucas's Perspective (POV)**

Every single detail in Maria's room was perfect, not too childish nor too mature. For some reason, I had thought she would be home sooner, but it took over seven hours for Father to return with my little sister. I was only six when she was taken from us, and she was the sweetest little girl I had ever met. Anthony didn't even come home until after work, as if he didn't care for Maria, but I knew that was a lie. He was the most devastated among us. Meanwhile, Christopher was too occupied ensuring that I didn't mess up her room

But they both came running to the entryway when I called. It was taking forever for Dad and Maria to get a car, but when the door finally opened, my excitement soared. However, what I saw was a girl younger than Maria should be. She wore a dirty, oversized T-shirt with Dad's jacket hanging over her shoulder. Was that really Maria?

Dad introduced us, "Anthony is the oldest," he said, pointing to Anthony, who stood to the right. "Christopher is the middle," he continued, indicating Chris, who stood in the middle. "And Lucas is the youngest," he finally pointed to me.

Maria bowed her head, and I glanced at Dad, who had a look that he would kill us if we said a word. I bit my lip to keep quiet.

"Do you want to see your new room, princess?" Dad said, his voice remarkably kind, a stark contrast to how he had been since she went missing. He led her to the room I had prepared, and I couldn't read her reaction. Did she like it or not?

"I'll leave you to look around. I'll come get you at dinner," Dad said to Maria before turning toward us and demanding, "Office, now."

We hastily followed Dad. He had a strict attitude, and we all feared him when he was like this. I sat on the couch alongside my brothers, wondering what this could be about. "Kids, we need to have a serious talk," Dad stated.

"it about your sister?" Dad continued. I immediately turned my full attention to Dad, who explained everything. He told me how she had been mute and possibly abused. All of this just made me angrier. I had hoped all these years that she had lived a good life after learning that she was still alive.

But it was worse than I had feared, worse than I could have imagined. I was ordered to bring her to dinner since Dad and Anthony were having a talk. I stood outside her door, knocking gently. "Maira, can I come in?" I asked. Before I could even open the door, Maria opened it herself, her hands trembling.

I couldn't imagine what she was thinking, but she started to take off Dad's jacket, and when she went for the t-shirt, I stopped her, putting the jacket back on. "Maria, you don't need to take your clothes off," I said. She just nodded. I didn't know whether to take it as a good or bad sign.

"Are you hungry?" I asked. She just looked at me. I told her to follow as I walked down the hallway. The moment I turned around, she was still in her room by the doorway. Once I looked at her, she followed behind me.

When we reached the dining hall, I noticed we were the first to arrive. That meant Dad and my brothers wasn't be done with their talk. I pointed to the chair next to mine for her to sit, and she did, just as my father came in.

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Hello, everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. There's more to come next Sunday.