The weekend. A sacred time for students to take a break from the humdrum of school. At least for a little while before having to go back to work. Shina, however, took the opportunity to help out with larger chores such as repairs to buildings and other structures around the house and farm.
Shina was coming inside from working outside when she thought that she heard commotion from another room. Ethan stomps down the staircase and brushes by Shina exiting out the back door. Shina can hear Cathy slam a door.
"Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous!" Cathy shouted as she moved into another room.
Shina walks upstairs and sees the office door open. She sneaks into the room and sees a letter. Curiously, she picks it up.
Dear mom and dad, it's been awhile since we last wrote to you. How's my sweet Shina? Shigeru and I have managed to take down the corrupt officials of the Japanese government. They're now captured and will be prosecuted for running a secret sex trafficking operation. Now, it's safe for us to return to Canada and bring Shina back with us. Thank you very much for taking care of Shina. We'll be coming back tomorrow. Call us soon, okay?
Sincerely, Rebecca
Shina drops the letter to the floor as she feels her breathing become shallow.
"My parents are alive...?'' she asks herself. A whirlpool of emotions circle around in her mind. Elation, confusion, sadness, and anger. She shivers still frozen in place. Shina hears Ethan coming back upstairs. She quickly grabs the letter and goes to meet him. "What the Hell is this?'' Ethan's eyes almost bug out of his head. Cathy comes out.
"You weren't supposed to see that!'' Cathy yells.
"You two were keeping this secret from me my entire life!'' Shina screams. "My parents were alive this whole time!''
"Now Shina, calm down,'' Ethan said.
"Calm down?! You lied to me!'' Shina continues as her eyes begin welling up with tears.
"Shina, stop yelling and let us explain,'' Cathy warned. "It's not what you think!''
"Oh, I think that there's nothing to explain!'' Shina snarled clenching her fist.
"Will you SHUT UP!'' Cathy pushes Shina down. Everyone freezes in shock. "Shina...'' Shina jumps up and runs down the stairs. "Wait, please! I'm sorry!'' Shina didn't stop. She barges through the back door running to her safe space. Hot tears stream down her face.
Hancock sees Shina and ran up to her.
"Shina! Wait!" Hancock called out. Shina tripped over herself face planting onto the ground. Hancock lifts Shina up and brushes the dirt away from her face. "What's wrong?"
"You won't believe this,'' she sobs. "My biological parents are alive! My 'parents' have been lying to me! This is like a dream and a nightmare at the same time!''
"I have no idea what to say," Hancock said confused. "But... hey, your parents are out there alive and well!"
"But how could they lie to me! How could they abandon me!" Shina screamed.
"Shina, I need you to stay calm," Hancock said calmly.
"And the creature! What about the creature!" Shina panicked. Suddenly, the creature came running out of the trees. It hooted and hollered afraid. The scientists from days before followed suit. The scientists noticed the kids.
"Hey, isn't that the girl from the old bat's house?'' the man observed. "You were keeping the creature from us?!"
"Don't hurt him!" Shina shouted.
"Stay out of this, kid!" The woman retorted. "Give us the creature!"
YOU ARE READING
Cope
Teen FictionShina has struggled coping with the fact that she's an orphan. She has been living with her adoptive parents for as long as she's remembered. Unfortunately, they haven't been as warm towards Shina as they used to be. Now, high school issues and her...
