Earlier that day, the house was filled with laughter and warmth. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the cozy living room. Sarah bustled around the kitchen, her apron tied neatly around her waist, while Tom hummed softly as he tended to the plants on the balcony.
“Bianca, does David have any food he doesn’t like?” Sarah called out, her tone gentle and caring. “He rarely comes home and I’m worried I’ll cook something he won’t enjoy.”
I sat cross-legged on the couch, pretending to scroll through a show on my tablet. My chest felt tight, an ache I couldn’t name spreading through me. Despite everything, I curved my lips into a sweet smile, masking the turmoil within.
“Don’t worry, Sarah,” I replied lightly. “David isn’t picky. He’ll eat anything when he’s hungry. You don’t need to trouble yourself.”
Sarah smiled warmly, the kind of smile that could melt anyone’s heart. She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and came over, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’re such a thoughtful girl. I know it’s hard without your parents, but you’ve been such a blessing to this family.”
Tom chuckled from the balcony. “That’s right. You and David are both good kids. We’re lucky to have you.”
The praise felt like needles pricking my skin. I tightened my grip on the tablet, forcing myself to look up and smile back. “Thank you, Tom. I’ll always be grateful to you and Sarah.”
Sarah ruffled my hair affectionately, her touch gentle but suffocating. She handed me a bag filled with wedding decorations—balloons, decals, tablecloths.
“Here, Bianca. Could you help with the decorations? And don’t forget, when you find someone you like, you’d better bring him home for us to meet!”
Her words were lighthearted, teasing, but they struck a nerve I didn’t know was so raw. My smile faltered for a fraction of a second before I forced it back into place.
“Of course,” I said softly, clutching the bag tighter and tighter until the edges of the plastic dug into my palms.
Tom pretended to scoff, shaking his head with a mock frown. “She’s just turned eighteen, Sarah. Don’t push her out of the house already! Bianca, don’t listen to her. There’s no rush. You’re part of this family for as long as you want to be.”
The sincerity in his words was unbearable. My vision blurred for a moment and I blinked rapidly, swallowing the lump in my throat.
***