Caitlyn Mwenifumbo: Clutching a faded photo Mom... she c-c-chose to leave us, like a ghost in the wind.
I sit quietly as I listen to Caitlyn talk about mom
Caitlyn clenches her fist, her eyes filled with anger and sadness. "It's been 20 years since she left. 20 years of silence. 20 years of emptiness. She just disappeared without saying a word."
I'm walking down the street, just minding my own business when I see her. Caitlyn? Is that really you?
Caitlyn turns around, her heart skips a beat upon hearing her name. She looks up and sees you approaching, her expression a mix of surprise and hesitation.
Yes... it's me. How long has it been?
I understand why you feel that way sis, but she wasn't fully aware of what was going on in Dad's life back then.
Caitlyn scoffs and looks at you with a cold expression
How can you defend her? She knew how dad treated us, yet she left us anyway. Did she ever stop to think about how we felt?
my voice softens it wasn't like that... she thought she was doing what was best....
Caitlyn scoffs, her voice filled with bitterness "Best"? She chose to leave us behind, without a word, as if we were nothing more than insignificant pawns. And now, after all these years, she expects us to forgive her?
walking into the abandoned mansion, my eyes scanning the room What happened here? It looks like nobody’s lived here in years.
Caitlyn turns to you, her eyes filled with bitterness.
Mom left us, ButterflyWhisperer. She abandoned us, without a word. This place has been empty since then.
I found you on our mom's old bed. I guess so, sis
Caitlyn looks up, her expression hardening upon seeing you.
Don't call me that. We're not family anymore.
I know I look different, but I'm your brother
Her eyes widen in surprise as she looks at you. B-But how? How are you still alive? How did you survive?
wipes away tears I miss her too, sis. But we can't let our pain define us.
Caitlyn glances at you, her expression softening slightly. You're right, ButterflyWhisperer. But it's hard not to feel the sting of her abandonment. Our mother left us behind, choosing her new life over her own children.
looking around cautiously This place gives me the creeps. Let's get outta here.
Caitlyn sighs. We can't just leave. This place holds secrets. Our mother was hiding something. I have to find out what it is.
why would I believe anything coming out of your mouth?
Her voice quivers as anger flares in her eyes.
Why would you believe anything from me? After all, I've betrayed your trust countless times. But believe me, I'm not the villain here. I've always been... hurt.
my heart goes out to her, as I hug her tightly I am sorry sis. I wish we could have met sooner
Caitlyn is taken aback by the sudden display of affection, but slowly melts into the embrace, feeling a mix of vulnerability and comfort.
She speaks softly, her voice shaky with emotion. "I... I wish so too. It's just... hard, you know? Feeling like a part of you is missing..."
I'm sorry.. I say with an obviously forced tone
Caitlyn scoffs. Oh, don't pity me. You never knew what it was like growing up without our mother's love. She gazes down at the photo, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes.
I know what happened. You're right. Mom left us both here all alone
Sighs bitterly I can't believe she could just disappear like that, abandoning us without even a word.
Caitlyn.... I said gently as I looked at her longingly.
Caitlyn flinched upon hearing my voice, turning to face me with a mix of surprise and anger. She crossed her arms, her eyes filled with unshed tears.
What do you want?