Under the protection of my twin brother

Chapter 1

The Radrigies family lived in a small but cozy house on the outskirts of the town. The house was built by Richard's grandfather, and over the years it has accumulated many things, each of which kept its own history. The wood paneling on the walls was slightly darkened with age, but it still retained its warmth and nobility. In the living room there was a massive oak table where the whole family gathered. Shelves lined the walls with books ranging from classic novels to modern detective stories. An antique clock ticked softly in the corner, adding to the house's charm.

Richard Rodriguez was the head of the family and enjoyed unquestionable authority. His word was law, and all members of the family tried to follow his instructions. He was a tall man with dark hair and stern features. There was often weariness in his eyes, but at the same time-firmness and determination. Richard worked hard to provide for his family and rarely took any time off. His influence on the household was so strong that even the slightest dissatisfaction with him caused everyone to feel uneasy.

His twin children, Tod and Sarah, were mirror images of each other, but at the same time completely different in character. Tod was more reasonable and serious, always trying to protect his sister and support his father. He had inherited from Richard not only an outward resemblance, but also a firmness of character. Sarah, on the other hand, was more emotional and impulsive, her eyes shining with curiosity and a thirst for adventure. She often got into arguments with her brother, but deep down she loved him very much and trusted him unconditionally.

Evelyn's stepmother had been living in the Radrigies ' house for several years. She was a beautiful woman with refined manners and a soft smile. Evelyn was trying to create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony in the house, but something in her behavior made Sarah and Tod wary. Perhaps it was the faintest hint of falsehood in her voice, or a little too ostentatious concern for her family. Still, Evelyn looked like the perfect stepmother, and many in the town admired her for her patience and kindness.

Life in the Radrigies household was measured and familiar. Richard left for work in the morning, and Evelyn was busy in the kitchen making breakfast for the kids. Tod and Sarah usually helped her with household chores, although sometimes they preferred to spend their time in their rooms, immersed in books or conversations. The family often spent the evenings together: they discussed the events of the day, shared their thoughts and plans. Even so, there was a subtle tension in the air, as if someone in the family was hiding their true feelings.

The atmosphere in the house was both warm and alert. It seemed that there were secrets lurking behind the outward well-being that were waiting to be revealed. Sarah sometimes found herself wanting to know more about the family's past, about the reasons why her father was so strict with her and Tod. Tod, on the other hand, tried not to think about it, thinking that the main thing was to keep the peace and quiet in the house.

But that all changed the day the news of Richard's tragic death arrived. This event became a point of no return, after which the family's life will never be the same again. The shock of losing their father, mixed with the first questions and doubts, made Sarah and Tod take a fresh look at the familiar things and people around them. They began to notice things that had previously escaped their attention, and gradually realized that there were secrets in their family that could prove deadly.

Nevertheless, even during this difficult period, the twins tried to support each other and keep calm in the house. They understood that they now had to make their own decisions and protect their interests. But they did not yet know what challenges they would face and what role each family member and their environment would play in their fate.

So began a story that will forever change the lives of Sarah and Tod, make them rethink their values and learn to trust only the people closest to them. Ahead of them are waiting for secrets, dangers and, of course, love, which will become their reliable support in the raging sea of life's trials.

Every morning in the Radrigies ' house began the same way: the first rays of the sun shone through the curtains, filling the room with soft light. Sarah would wake up a little earlier than Tod and lie there for a few minutes, staring at the ceiling and wondering what the next day would hold for her. Her thoughts often drifted back to her brother — the serious look in his eyes, how confident he was in any situation. In her heart of hearts, she knew that Tod was more than just her brother — he was her support, her protection, and perhaps more, but she tried to push the thought away.

Tod, on the other hand, woke up with a sense of responsibility for his family. He would get up quickly, do a few exercises to cheer himself up, and go to the bathroom. As he shaved and washed, his mind raced with thoughts of how best to protect Sarah, how best to help her cope with possible difficulties. Tod knew that his sister could sometimes be too impulsive and careless, and his heart was filled with concern for her well-being.

After Evelyn's breakfast, the twins usually went about their business. Sarah liked to spend time in her room, reading books or drawing. Her drawings ranged from light sketches to complex compositions in which she tried to convey her feelings and thoughts. Sometimes she would take her notebook and go out into the garden, where she would sit for hours on a bench, watching the play of light and shadow, the flutter of butterflies and bees. In these moments, she felt free and happy, but at the same time, she understood that her life was closely connected with her home and family, and she could not just leave.

Tod often went to his father's office, where he studied documents, books, and newspapers. He tried to understand how the world outside their home worked, what dangers and opportunities it held. Tod felt that he was going to take on the role of head of the family, and he prepared for this by developing his skills and knowledge. Sometimes he stopped by to discuss books he'd read or just talk about life. These conversations were important for both of them — they helped them get to know each other better, share their thoughts and feelings.

Despite his outward reserve, Tod often thought of his sister, too. He admired her beauty, her vivacity and spontaneity. But he tried not to let his feelings run wild, remembering that they were brother and sister, and such thoughts could lead to unpredictable consequences. Still, there was a hint of something in his eyes that Sarah might have interpreted as more than just brotherly love.

There was a special bond between the twins — they could understand each other without words, and they could sense each other's moods and emotions even from a distance. But at the same time, each of them held secrets that they did not dare to reveal to the other. Sarah sometimes found herself wanting to tell Tod how she felt, but fear and embarrassment kept her from doing so. Tod, on the other hand, tried to keep his emotions under control, thinking that now was not the time for such revelations.

Their daily lives were filled with small joys and worries. They helped Evelyn with household chores, walked in the garden, and discussed books and movies. But beneath the surface of that calmness, there were hidden currents-innuendos, secret feelings, vague misgivings. Sarah and Tod lived in anticipation of something big that would change their lives, but they didn't yet know what it would be or how it would affect their relationship.

However, every day they found something to celebrate — whether it was a fun conversation, an unexpected find in the library, or just a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds. They appreciated these moments, knowing that life can be unpredictable and not always so calm and measured.

But that all changed after Richard's death. The tragedy forced Sarah and Tod to take a fresh look at their relationship, their family, and the world around them. They realized that they were now facing dangers and mysteries that would require not only strength and courage, but also the ability to trust, support, and protect each other. Although they didn't yet know what challenges were waiting for them, there was a firm belief in their hearts that together they would be able to overcome any difficulties.

With each passing day, the tension in the house increased. Evelyn was acting more and more strangely, and there was a sense of change in the air. More and more often, Sarah and Tod found themselves thinking that they needed to understand what was going on, find answers to their questions, and protect each other from possible threats. Their bond grew stronger and their feelings deepened, even though they were still hesitant to reveal their innermost secrets to each other.

So their daily lives went on-filled with quiet happiness and vague uneasiness, hidden feelings and unspoken words. But the twins knew that sooner or later they would have to make a choice that would determine their fate and the fate of their family. In the meantime, they lived in the present, cherished every moment and waited for the day when they could reveal all the secrets and find true happiness.