We were afraid.
“What happened?”
“Our birth family broke apart. We ended up in different homes. I knew her childhood nickname, but not the name she received afterward.”
“How awful. Did you ever find out what happened to her?”
He looked directly at me. “I searched for her for decades.”
I turned toward Mom. “Tell me he's mistaken.”
I had a little sister.
“Claire, you have to understand. We never meant to hurt you.”
“Mom. Who is he?”
She looked at Michael. “You were both so young when they separated you.”
My breath caught.
“Separated us?”
I searched for her.
Mom covered her face. “He's your brother, sweetheart. Your biological brother.”
“My brother?”
Michael nodded, his eyes wet. “You used to follow me everywhere.”
“I don't remember.”
“I know.”
They separated you.
I looked at Mom. “And you knew all along?”
She couldn't meet my eyes.
Michael wiped his eyes. “I can't believe I finally found you.”
