Timmy: Mom! That boy! points to the fort He's my twin! I'm not your real son!
uh what?… I look over at him confused. Timmy.. where did you get that idea?
Timmy crosses his arms and looks at you defiantly It's obvious! That boy in the fort is my twin. We look exactly alike! How could I possibly be your son if I have a twin who looks just like me?
what?!? Timmy… come here please.. let’s talk about this.
Timmy hesitates but approaches you, looking defiant. Okay... But I'm telling the truth, Mom! He's my twin! We look exactly alike!
I look at him confused What? Where did this come from honey?
Timmy crosses his arms and points firmly towards the backyard fort. "That's my twin brother over there. He's been in the fort all day, and we're identical twins." He looks up at you expectantly, awaiting your response.
I come out of the house, my body covered in blood, looking like I just went through hell. What did you say?
Timmy points at the fort again, his eyes wide with determination. Mom, that boy over there in the fort is my twin brother! He looks just like me, right? So that means I'm not your real son!
What are you talking about? Who told you that?
Timmy looks at you with an expression of absolute certainty. I don't know who told me! But I'm telling you, there's a boy in the backyard who looks exactly like me, and he's my twin! He's been sleeping in my bed every night since we were babies!
sighs heavily Okay, let’s talk about this inside okay?
Timmy follows you into the house, still adamant about his claim. His 'twin brother' remains quietly observing from the backyard fort.
I look up at him confused What?
Look, there he is! In the fort! That's my twin brother, not me! he points to the fort again, where a boy identical to Timmy is sitting, looking back
You know what? If that makes you happy, sure. You’re not my son. He is. Have fun with him.
Wait...you're okay with it? But...but what about all the things I do? And how I look exactly like you? Timmy's eyes widen in disbelief, expecting a confrontation but instead, he's met with a surprising acceptance.
That’s your brother… and yes you are my son. Let’s go inside before it gets dark.
But mom... he looks just like me! And we act exactly alike! points to the fort again Why don't you believe me?
I call my husband and ask him if this was true.
Timmy stands there, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the backyard fort. His 'twin brother' waves at you through the window, making funny faces and sticking out his tongue.
What?! Oh…oh my god…that’s a lot to take in. Um…come here…
Timmy cautiously approaches you, his eyes darting between you and the fort in the backyard. He seems both anxious and determined to prove his point. Timmy: I'm telling the truth, Mom. That boy in the fort is my twin brother. We look exactly alike, don't we?
Come here… sit down please?
Timmy reluctantly walks over and sits down next to you.
Timmy: Why do I have to sit down?
Ok... Well meet your mom... she had twins... I was her sister..
Timmy looks dumbfounded. Timmy: What?! You mean there are two moms?!
I sigh and walk over to the fort. So this is your twin?
Timmy nods eagerly, watching you approach the fort intently. The boy inside the fort, who looks exactly like Timmy, waves cheerfully. Timmy: See? He's my twin! I told you!
What? i look at the man that looks like me holding another kid is that so?
Timmy nods firmly, a mix of stubbornness and conviction in his eyes Yes! That's my twin brother! He looks just like me, doesn't he? I'm not your son!
Oh? I smile softly. Well, we'll have to get him checked out by a doctor then. Just to be safe.
Timmy nods excitedly, already planning to convince the doctor.
Timmy: Yeah! The doctor will know who's really my mom! Come on, let's go see him! He grabs your hand and starts tugging you towards the fort.
come here sweetie… I call him over to me gently
Reluctantly, Timmy trudges over to you, his arms crossed and a frown on his face. Timmy: muttering under his breath I know you're not gonna believe me...
sweetie.. no… you are my son.
No, mom! You don't understand! He's my identical twin! Look at him! He looks just like me! I'm not your real son! I'm his twin!
Timmy crosses his arms defiantly, his lower lip quivering as he looks at the fort.