Drown

Camera

Finding my way into the house, I sat down with her, my mind reeling from this shocking revelation. Thoughts raced through my head as I pondered the best approach to confront my mother and uncover the truth about my twin brother. I knew that a direct question would likely yield a negative response, so I needed to come up with a more strategic plan.

As I sat with my mother, pretending everything was normal, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the secret I now carried. It was as if a hidden world had been revealed to me, and I was determined to uncover its mysteries.

Suddenly, an idea struck me. "Hey mom," I began, "remember that family picture you gave me when I moved out? Well, I have a friend who wants to take a picture with her family too. Do you remember the name of the place where we took ours?"

My mother paused for a moment, racking her brain for the information she knew I sought. "Hmm, let me think," she said. "I believe it was called 'Sunshine Studios,' but I'm not exactly sure."

I pressed further, hoping to elicit more details. "And do you remember the name of the photographer who took our picture? I would feel more comfortable if we could find someone familiar."

My mother hesitated, biting her bottom lip. It was a tell-tale sign that she was withholding something. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," she said, her tone slightly unsteady. "I don't really remember the photographer's name. My memory has been a bit foggy lately."

I knew she was lying. After all these years, I had learned to detect the subtle signs. Disappointed but not deterred, I thanked her for the information and left the house to continue my search.

With the name of the photo studio in mind, I set out to find it. As I walked through the unfamiliar streets, my mind buzzed with questions. How would I recognize the photographer? Did they even still work there after all these years?

Lost in my thoughts, I was snapped back to reality when I heard someone calling my name. "Alex, is that you?" a voice exclaimed.

I turned to see a sweet old lady with kind eyes and a friendly smile. "I'm sorry," I replied. "Have we met before?"

The lady chuckled softly. "You must not remember me, but of course, you were only a child back then. My name is Mary. I took your family picture some years ago."

I couldn't believe my luck. It seemed that fate had led me to the very person I was searching for. Excitement filled my voice as I asked Mary about the picture and what she could remember.

Mary's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recalled that day. "It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon," she began. "Your family was my last customer. I remember how sweet you and your brother were."

Wait, did she just say "brother"? I interrupted her. "You mentioned a brother. Who are you referring to?"

The smile on Mary's face faded slightly, and a flicker of fear passed through her eyes. "Oh, my dear," she said, trying to brush it off. "That must have been a slip of the tongue. Sometimes my memory plays tricks on me."

But I could see through her façade. Just like my mother, she was hiding something. There was a connection between them, and I was determined to uncover it.

We continued to chat, but it became clear that Mary was reluctant to reveal any more information. I sensed the fear in her voice whenever my mother was mentioned. It was as if she was afraid of someone or something.

Leaving the studio, I knew that my mother held the key to this mystery, but I couldn't directly confront her. It was time to turn to someone I knew could shed light on the situation - my auntie, my mother's younger sister.

Throughout my childhood, I had witnessed the tension between my mother and auntie, but I never truly understood the root of their animosity. Now, it seemed like their strained relationship might hold the answers I desperately sought.

Walking away from the studio, I couldn't help but notice the camera Mary was holding in her hands. There was a certain air of concern on her face, as if that camera held the secrets I needed to uncover. Determined to solve the puzzle of my forgotten twin brother, I embarked on a journey that would test my courage and unravel the hidden truths that lay buried in the past.