Chapter 2

2

Their love for Mark was a constant, painful reminder of their indifference towards me.

We were both adopted. Their biological son, David, had drowned years ago. They were devastated. Jessica cried constantly, begging for a brother.

A few years later, they decided to adopt. That's how they found me, at the orphanage. I was standing by the gate when I had a sudden, inexplicable urge to turn around. I saw their car speeding towards the intersection and screamed for them to stop. They slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision.

Shaking, they thanked me profusely. "You saved our lives! It's fate! Would you like to be our son? We promise to love you forever."

Hope blossomed in my chest. I nodded, finally believing I'd found a family.

Those first six months were pure bliss. They showered me with affection. Mom and Dad cooked my favorite meals. Jessica taught me piano and how to paint. I thought my happiness would last forever.

Then they brought Mark home.

He took one look at me and burst into tears.

Jessica shoved me to the ground. "You scared him!"

Mom and Dad told me to go away, to stop bothering them.

He stole everything so easily. I was moved from my bedroom to a spare room, becoming a ghost in my own home.

Jessica took his hand and declared, "Mark is my little brother!"

Mom and Dad cooed, "He looks so much like David. He's a gift, sent from heaven."

Then I understood. Mark resembled their deceased son. A simple resemblance, and he was given all the love I craved. How loved must their real son have been?

Dad continued to rant, calling me spoiled and ungrateful.

The coast guard officer turned to him, his face grim. "We need to find your son. He could be in danger. Do you understand that? How can you be so unconcerned?"

Jessica scoffed, "I gave him the life vest myself. He's fine."

Mom chimed in, "Everyone else is okay. Why would something happen to him? He's probably just hiding."

The officer, disgusted, turned and began organizing a search party.