“Wen.” Ma’s voice comes from the door. Behind her, Pa, Aunt, Uncle, and Avi rush into the room.
I accept everyone’s hugs. The look on each of their faces deepens my guilt. I have a family that loves me unconditionally, and still, I can’t seem to feel the pure joy of coming home to them.
They speak words meant to soothe me. If I had suffered the way they imagine, their words might have comforted me. They think I’ve been through a lot—which isn’t wrong—but what I went through isn’t what they imagine.
Everyone speaks, and I sit among them, but my mind and heart aren't here. They’re still in that ice-covered mansion. Patting Bruno’s head. Playing piano in the rose garden. Staring into gray eyes. Sleeping in his arms. Talking with him. Stealing moments from time and fate.
I’m still with the man I was never supposed to love.
“Wen.” Mom’s touch pulls me back. I feel the world around me—and my tears, which she’s brushing away.
“What did he do to you?” Dad asks, his voice strained, his face holding a strange emotion, like he’s afraid of the answer he’ll receive.
“Nothing. He made me do some maid’s work for a few days, then left me alone most of the time.”
“Then why don’t you look fine?” Leo asks.
I didn’t even notice him come in.
“I’m just overwhelmed to see you all again.” I force a smile.
“Do you know where he took you?” Uncle asks.
I shake my head.
“Tell us everything you know about that man. We need to find him, dear. We won’t let him get away with kidnapping you.” The anger in his voice is palpable.
“I don’t know anything.”
“His name?” Dad asks.
I shake my head. “Everyone calls him ‘Master.’”
“Did you find out why he took you?” Pa asks.
I look at each angry face.I can’t tell them. There’s a chance they might figure out who he is.My eyes land on Avi, and an idea sparks.
“He has this strange habit of making rich girls his maids. That’s why he took me.” I glance at Avi, signaling with my eyes for her to stay quiet.
We read about something similar in a book just days before I was taken.
But from the looks on the men’s faces, I don’t think they buy it.
After that, they stop asking questions, just keep talking about normal things to make me feel better.
Hours later, when everyone finally filters out, Avi takes me outside for a walk. I know she has questions she couldn’t ask in front of the others. I know she has questions she couldn’t ask in front of everyone.
When we reach the edge of the hill, she lowers her voice. “Why did he really kidnap you?”
I glance around to make sure no one else is listening. There’s no one.
“Uncle killed his father. Then his relatives—who were literal snakes—treated his mother horribly. She broke under their cruelty and died from complications of severe trauma. He wanted revenge on Uncle by putting you through the same hell.”
Her eyes widen. “Did he do that to you?”
I shake my head.
“Why didn’t you tell them?”
