AUTHOR’S POV
“This is not my home. I wasn’t born here,” Phyllis began, and Wanda frowned but did not interrupt.
“And what you grew up believing... that I had no family, that it was just us, isn't true,” Phyllis continued. “I don’t have parents; that part is true. But I have… a lot of family members still alive. Uncles. Grandparents and you have cousins.” She swallowed. “At least, I think I still do. I haven’t heard from any of them in over twenty years.”
Wanda’s brow furrowed. “Why?” she whispered, and Phyllis let out a shaky breath.
“Because I ran away.”
Wanda turned her head, confusion flickering across her face.
“I fled with Marina and Alexsey. We made a vow together never to look back--afraid it would lead to discovery if we did,” Phyllis said, her fingers tightening around Wan
