EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 36: The Twin Face-off

8 hours before the Incident

The day had begun like any other for Mira and Nelly, a comforting routine that had blossomed into something distinctly their own. They walked together toward school, laughing over the silliest things. Mira smiled as she watched Nelly pause outside a shop, snapping photos of quirky items displayed in the window. She loved these moments, seeing him so content in his little worlds of fascination. They continued on, eventually reaching the campus, where Mira received a text just as they approached the school gates.

It was from Mrs. Gina: "Are you free later? I'll fetch you up. Let's talk." A wave of excitement warmed Mira's heart.

She quickly typed back, "Sure, Mom!"

During lunch break, Mira joined Nelly and their friends—both the "homies" and the "girlies," as they affectionately called each other. The group was a colorful mix of personalities, each friend adding a layer of humor and life to their conversations. As they gathered at their favorite spot in the courtyard to eat together, Mira turned to Nelly, who was mid-sip on a smoothie.

"Mrs. Gina will be picking me up later," she shared with a bright smile.

"Oh, okay, sure! You guys take care and have a great time," Nelly replied, offering a quick but warm nod.

Ran, overhearing their exchange, grinned wide, clearly excited at the thought. "Ooh, a mother-daughter outing? That sounds so sweet!" she chimed in, nudging Mira playfully.

Ryan raised his eyebrows with a gentle smile, joining in, "Ahh, imagine Mira and her mom shopping, getting their nails done, and probably a cute lunch together... classic bonding."

Shin chuckled. "They'll probably take matching selfies, too, knowing Mira!" he teased, earning a laugh from the group.

Dan added thoughtfully, "Honestly, it sounds like you'll come back glowing, Mira. Mrs. Gina always seems so full of positive energy—bet she'll spoil you!"

With everyone smiling and sharing their light-hearted predictions, Mira's excitement only grew. She could already imagine the warm conversations and laughter they'd share together.

As the final bell rang at 5 p.m., Mira and Nelly waited together by the school gates, their fingers intertwined as they talked about their day. A familiar roar of a motorcycle engine drew Mira's attention, and she turned to see Mrs. Gina approaching, the sleek bike gleaming as she brought it to a smooth stop nearby.

"Sweetie, hop on!" Mrs. Gina called, pulling off her helmet to reveal a warm smile. Mira's eyes sparkled, and she quickly turned to Nelly.

"Goodbye, sweetie," she said playfully, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the lips. She waved as she backed away, her cheeks a little flushed. "See you later!"

"Goodbye, darling! Take care of each other, Mrs. Gina!" Nelly called after them, his voice warm and genuine. He waved back, the soft smile lingering as he watched them head off.

As they sped through the streets, the wind whipping through her hair, Mira felt the day's excitement sink in. The sun had begun its descent, casting a golden glow over the cityscape, and Mira held tight to her mom's waist, savoring the rare adventure.

Once they parked the bike and began wandering through a stretch of cozy local shops, Mrs. Gina's tone softened. Her expression turned thoughtful, and Mira noticed a shift as they strolled down the street, eventually pausing outside a small café.

"Mira, sweetheart," Mrs. Gina began gently, "would you be okay with meeting your... other twin?" Her gaze was intent, cautious, as if gauging Mira's reaction.