Page 45

My heart aches as I grapple with conflicting emotions. The truth of my adoption feels like a double-edged sword, both a revelation and a wound. I try to process the love and intention behind my parents’ decision, but the sense of betrayal lingers.

I cried, tears streaking my face, “I wish you had trusted me enough to share this with me. I feel like a part of me has been hidden for so long.”

My father looks at me with remorse, “We understand, Dani, and we are deeply sorry for keeping this from you. We wanted to wait for the right time, but perhaps there is never a perfect time for such revelations.”

My mother reaches out and holds my hand, “We are here for you, my love, every step of the way. We will support you if you want to learn more about your biological family or explore your roots.”

The DNA test after learning I was adopted yielded no information about my parents—unbelievable! Countless blood tests on myself, and nothing ever showed up as an anomaly. But now, this bizarre double helix shows up in my genes and has me questioning everything again.

Wiping away tears, I gather my strength. Though the revelation threatens to overwhelm me, I'm resilient and capable of navigating this. But now my hands are the freakish stars of their mutant show. My burning need to understand this ability intensifies.

I finish my breakfast, grab my bag and keys, and head out the door toward the lab. My stomach flutters with anticipation of the day ahead. Stepping outside, the morning air is crisp and refreshing.

The familiar chemical smells and fluorescent lights greet me at the lab. I sit at a computer in the back corner, preparing for another lengthy session of fruitless research about my roots. For hours, I search databases and scroll article after article, taking sporadic breaks to rest my weary eyes. But as with every other attempt, no answers materialize.

When the lab techs start switching off lights, signaling the day's end, disappointment sinks heavily in my chest. My past remains a locked box as I head out and make my way home.

Streetlights flicker as I climb into my car, my reflection staring blankly at me in the mirror.

Why was I given up? What is my biological inheritance? A gift or a curse?

These riddles continue to taunt me as I unlock my apartment door and enter the dark emptiness.

My mind spins with questions. Does anyone else share this power? Am I utterly alone? Fear and confusion churn inside me.

For so long, I thought I knew myself. Now everything feels turned upside down. I stare at my hands—they look the same, yet I hardly recognize them. What else lurks within me, waiting to be unleashed?

I yearn to confide in Emily, have her listen, and ground me. I call Emily, telling her to meet me for drinks.

I park on the street and hustle inside Karma, boots echoing on the floor. Emily waves me over, already ordering drinks.

"Jesus, you look like shit," she says, taking in my haggard appearance. I huff, pushing my hair back as the bartender brings our drinks.

"Okay, what's got you needing two drinks already?" Emily asks, eyebrow raised.

I make her promise not to freak out before spilling everything—the DNA, the glowing hands. Her eyes widen incredulously.

"Shit, you're a freakin' circus sideshow lately!" At my solemn expression, she adds gently, "Kidding. But seriously, weird stuff is happening to you."

I cling to her hands desperately. "It's like some freaky conspiracy—the adoption, the DNA results, my stalker, now these random mutant powers? My life feels insane!"

Emily's expression grows somber as she realizes this is dredging up old wounds about my mysterious biological parents. "I understand how overwhelmed you must feel, honey." She hugs me supportively. "But we'll figure this out together, okay? I'm here for you."

Despite her humor, I know Emily takes my turmoil seriously. Her steadfast friendship means everything during this chaotic time. With her by my side, I can face whatever comes next.

Emily gives me a knowing look, one brow quirked. "Sooo...have you sicced the cops on your creeper admirer yet? You know, like you swore you would?"

I avert my eyes, cheeks flushing. Emily sighs dramatically. "Dani, you can't keep letting Sir Stalks-a-Lot lurk outside your place. What's the latest with dear tall, dark, and infringing?"

Reluctantly, I admit, "He...may have stopped by my apartment again last night."

"He did what now?!" Emily shouts, making me wince. "Please tell me you sprayed him with pepper spray and slammed the door on that psycho!"

"Well, no, I didn't exactly do that..."

Emily drags both hands down her face. "You've got to be kidding me! What the hell happened?"

I take a deep breath. "He sort of just let himself in. I probably should've thrown him out, but..."