Ink Between Us

Birthday connection

"It's my birthday," Sierra said softly as she opened her eyes.
The joy of the dream evaporated when she saw the date on her phone's calendar. It was still May, and her birthday wasn't until September. "Just a dream," she murmured, pushing the thought away.

The smell of fresh coffee guided her to the kitchen. Serena and Sam were there, and their mother had already left for work, as usual.

Serena stood ready with her bag, scrolling through her phone, while Sam flipped through a newspaper, looking more interested in the act of turning the pages than in what was written.

"You two up this early together?" Sierra joked as she poured herself some fresh iced coffee. "Something happened, or is the world ending?"

"Just a college day, you know how it is," Serena replied without looking up.

"And Serena's always late," Sam teased, folding the newspaper like an old guy.

"I'm late because I bear the burden of being the best cook in this house and making breakfast for everyone," Serena shot back, unwilling to let it slide.

Sierra smiled, watching them. "I love how you two manage to argue even over coffee. Dad was so right when he said you were two halves of a weird whole."

Sam laughed. "He only said that because he knew we were unbearable together."

Serena rolled her eyes but gave a knowing smile. 

Since they were kids, Sam and Serena had always shared an inexplicable connection. They knew when the other was upset, sick, or angry, even when they were far apart. Sometimes, it was almost creepy. Not every set of twins creates their own language to communicate like they did.

"It's bizarre," Sierra said, serving herself some toast. "I think that's part of what fascinated Dad too. Like he knew you two were connected in ways he couldn't fully understand."

The mention of their father brought a brief silence to the table. Since his passing, any talk about him was delicate ground.

"He changed in his last months," Sierra said, breaking the silence. "Did you notice? Like he was... more withdrawn."

Sam and Serena exchanged glances. 

"Sis, I know we're the ones with twin telepathy, but maybe you caught some of it... or did you overhear our conversation yesterday?" Serena asked.

"What? No, I don't get it," Sierra replied, genuinely confused.

"Sam and I were talking about it just last night," Serena added. "Out of nowhere, Dad started spending a lot more time in the office. And... he had this way of looking at us, especially at you, Sam."

"That's news to me. What do you mean?" Sam asked.

"I can't explain it," Serena said. "But it was different. Like he wanted to say something but didn't know how."

Sierra turned to her older brother. "Do you think what happened to him wasn't just a heart attack? That maybe... there's more to it?"

Sam hesitated. "I don't know. But sometimes, when I think back to those days, I feel like he was trying to protect us from something. I don't know what, but..."

"Like how you two can sense each other," Sierra interrupted, her gaze fixed on them. "You have that connection, and maybe he felt something similar. Only instead of being able to share it, he kept it locked inside."

Serena lowered her gaze, as though Sierra's words carried a weight too heavy to bear. "Do you think he knew he was going to die?"

"Is it too unrealistic?" Sierra replied. "I think he somehow knew there were things he wouldn't be able to resolve in time."

"That's a lot," Sam murmured, crossing his arms. "Makes sense. He was so rational, always calculating everything... maybe he thought dealing with it alone was the best way to protect us. But also, have you ever considered that possibly there's nothing more to it? That sometimes people just change, and there isn't a grand or mysterious explanation for it?"

"Perhaps" Sierra said with a sigh. "Still, I can't get over the feeling that there's a missing piece to this puzzle."

"What worries me," Sam said seriously, "is you getting lost trying to solve that imaginary puzzle. We already lost him, Sierra. I don't want to lose you too."

Serena nodded in agreement, aware of how rare and unnatural it was for her brother to show such vulnerability. "Exactly. Even if we never find all the answers, what he left behind is what really matters."

Sierra stayed quiet, taking in their words. She knew they were right, but it was hard to let go of the search for something that felt so close to being uncovered.

"You guys talk like I'm diving into some endless abyss," Sierra said, trying to lighten the mood with a smile. "I promise I won't drown, okay?"

"Better not," Sam replied, relaxing slightly. "Because if you do, I'll march down there and drag you out by your hair."

Serena glanced at the clock. "OMG we need to go. Biochemistry class is waiting... Sierra, if you need help with the office or... anything, just let us know, okay?"

"Of course," Sierra said automatically.

"And don't forget the dishes, sweet little sister" Serena shouted from the door.

As the two left for college, Sierra remained in the kitchen, staring at the door to their father's office.

"Dad, if you left something for us, please show me, I'm here for you" she thought silently before heading to set up her workplace.