The Weight of Lies

Bianca.

“You’re here to see me. So, let’s go inside,” she insisted, pulling me along.

“Mom, Dad, look who’s here,” she announced, ushering me in. “It’s Bianca.”

“Bianca,” her mother called, rising to her feet. She rushed toward me and enveloped me in a motherly hug. “It’s so good to see you again, dear.” I melted into her embrace.

“How are you doing, ma’am?” I asked, as she smoothed my hair, showing genuine affection, unlike my own mother, who often faked it.

“I’m fine, darling,” she replied, holding my hand and leading me to the sofa, where she gestured for me to sit. She caressed my hand. “We all miss you, darling.”

“Especially me,” her husband cut in. “I miss you so much.” My heart skipped a beat. They showered me with love. Apart from my brother and father, who genuinely loved me, they were the next closest.

“I miss you too. If it weren’t for my mother, I would be coming here every day,” I admitted, and the room fell silent. What was going on? Did Sophia tell her parents what she