The next weekend, I make the decision to visit my family. I haven't been home in months, and I'm not sure what to expect. But as I stand outside the door, a nervous energy buzzes through me. When I knock, it's my baby brother who answers, his face lighting up when he sees me.
"Lila!" he shouts, throwing his arms around me.
I hug him tightly, feeling a lump form in my throat. It's been too long. When my mom comes to the door, there's a moment of awkwardness, but then she smiles-a small, hesitant smile, but it's enough to break the tension.
We spend the afternoon catching up, and while things aren't perfect, there's a sense of healing in the air. My half-siblings are out, but my mom seems genuinely happy to see me, and for the first time in years, I feel like maybe there's hope for our relationship.
As I sit in the living room with my brother on my lap, I realize how much I've missed these small moments of connection. Maybe this is the start of something new-a chance to rebuild the family I thought I'd lost.
YOU ARE READING
HEART'S IN THE SHADOWS
FantasyLila has always been the forgotten child, overshadowed by her parents' attention toward her half-siblings and younger brother. Despite her love and dedication, she is treated as little more than a servant in her own home-unseen, unheard, and unloved...
