Chapter 1:The calm before the storm of regret
The Reyes household hummed with laughter as Jane Reyes, 10, twirled in a frilly pink dress her mother, Paulette, had just bought her. “Look, Papa!” she squealed, spinning into Williams’ arms. He lifted her high, kissing her cheek. “My little princess,” he said, eyes glowing.
Katelyn, 14, rolled her eyes but smiled, tossing Jane a stuffed rabbit. “You’re spoiling her, Mom,” she teased, though she’d spent an hour braiding Jane’s hair that morning. James, 16, grunted from the couch, but when Jane climbed onto his lap, he wrapped an arm around her, letting her play with his phone. Even Jay, 6, toddled over, holding up a crayon drawing of “Jane and Me.”
Jane was their sun. Her laugh could turn a rainy day into a picnic. When she scraped her knee, everyone rushed to her—Paulette with a bandage, Williams with a lollipop, Katelyn with a story to distract her. Arnold, her next-door neighbor and best friend, would bring her dandelions, saying, “You’re prettier than these.” Jane would giggle and say, “Silly, you’re my best friend.”
At school, Jane was the star—teachers praised her, kids wanted to sit with her. But she never let it go to her head. She shared her snacks, helped classmates with homework, and even defended the quiet new girl once. “Everyone deserves a friend,” she told Arnold, who nodded, adoring her kindness.
Paulette often said, “Jane is the glue that holds us together.” Williams agreed. “She’s our miracle,” he’d whisper, watching her sleep. The Reyes family was perfect—until the day the social worker called.
“ There’s a little girl,” Paulette said that evening, her voice soft. “Kate. She’s 8. Her parents… they passed away.” Williams squeezed her hand. “Are you sure?” he asked. Paulette looked at Jane, who was coloring at the table, unaware. “She needs a family,” she said.
Jane looked up, tilting her head. “Can we keep her, Papa?” she asked, eyes wide. Williams hesitated, then smiled. “If that’s what you want, princess.” Jane cheered, running to hug her mother. “We’ll be sisters!” she said.
Arnold, who’d been over to play, frowned. “But who’ll be your best friend?” he asked. Jane hugged him too. “You, silly. Kate can be my sister and you can be my best friend. It’ll be perfect!”
That night, Jane lay in bed, dreaming of a little sister to share her toys, her room, and her life. She didn’t know then that “perfect” would soon crack. That the girl they brought home would change everything.
But for now, the Reyes family slept soundly, Jane’s laughter still echoing in their dreams.
