There lost soul

The Unthinkable

hiiiii 

The sun cast a warm glow over the backyard as Isabella settled onto a blanket, enjoying a serene autumn afternoon. The leaves rustled gently, creating a peaceful soundtrack to the lively scene. Antonio was playing tag with their sons, Anthony, Alejandro, Alexander, Allen, Austin, and Aiden. Their laughter filled the air, a testament to the love that surrounded their family. A year had flown by since Amelia's arrival, and Isabella often marveled at how joyfully chaotic their lives had become.

But today, as she watched the boys chase after their father, a flicker of unease crept into her heart. She was scheduled for a routine check-up, and while she knew it was nothing serious, the thought of leaving Amelia with someone else even for a short time made her anxious.

"Antonio, are you sure you can handle all six of them?" she called out, trying to mask her worry with a smile.

"Of course! I've got this!" he replied, grinning back at her. "You just focus on yourself."

With a final glance at her boys, Isabella left for her appointment, leaving behind a vibrant scene filled with love and laughter.

Hours later, after a seemingly mundane check-up, Isabella returned home, her heart lightened but still tinged with worry about being away from Amelia. As she stepped through the door, the unsettling quietness of the house immediately struck her. Where were the boys?

"Antonio?" she called out, her voice echoing in the stillness.

No response.

Isabella's heart began to race. She rushed into the living room, searching for signs of life. Panic gripped her as she spotted a note on the table. "Went to the park. Be back soon! Love, A."

Relief washed over her momentarily, but it was quickly overshadowed by an unsettling feeling.

She glanced at the clock—time seemed to crawl. The minutes ticked by, and with each passing second, her anxiety deepened. Just as she was about to grab her phone to call Antonio, the front door swung open.

In walked Mariana, Isabella's twin sister, her expression unreadable.

"Mariana! What are you doing here?" Isabella asked, surprised but grateful for the company.

"I came to see Amelia," she replied, her tone oddly nonchalant.

Isabella frowned. "She's at the park with Antonio and the boys. They should be back any minute."

Mariana's eyes flickered with something darker. "Oh, really? How nice for them."

"What do you mean?" Isabella asked, sensing the tension in her sister's voice.

"I just thought... you know, maybe I could have her for a little while," Mariana said, her tone laced with envy. "After all, you have everything, don't you? The perfect husband, the perfect kids."

"Mariana, stop," Isabella said, raising her hand. "What are you talking about? You're my sister. You have to understand that this is our family now."

Mariana's eyes narrowed. "Family? You mean the family you built without me? You always had everything—love, happiness—while I was left behind. It's not fair, Isabella."

"What are you saying?" Isabella felt a chill run down her spine.

But before she could grasp the weight of her sister's words, Mariana moved past her, heading toward the nursery. Isabella followed, a sense of dread pooling in her stomach.

As they entered the nursery, Isabella's heart dropped. The crib was empty.

"Where's Amelia?" Isabella gasped, her voice shaking.

Mariana turned to her with a smug smile, a sense of satisfaction dancing in her eyes. "I think she's with me now."

"What do you mean?" Isabella felt tears prick at her eyes. "What have you done?"

"Just borrowed her for a bit. You never even wanted her, did you?" Mariana's voice dripped with venom.

Isabella's heart raced as panic engulfed her. "You can't do this! She's my daughter!"

"Then why was it so easy for you to leave her?" Mariana taunted, her tone chilling. "I thought maybe I could show her a better life."

Just then, the sound of laughter echoed from outside—the unmistakable voices of Antonio and the boys returning home.

"Antonio!" Isabella shouted, running to the front door, her heart pounding. "You have to help me! Mariana has Amelia!"

Antonio rushed in, his brows furrowing in concern. "What's wrong?"

"Mariana has taken Amelia!" Isabella cried desperation in her voice.

Antonio's expression shifted from confusion to fury. "What do you mean? Where is she?"

But before Isabella could respond, Mariana made her move. "I won't let you take her away from me!" she screamed, dashing toward the back door.