On the gravestone was a tiny photograph of a baby. The little one’s eyes were closed, as if peacefully asleep. Ann found herself kneeling in front of the gravestone, her hand trembling as she reached out to touch the photo. Tears blurred her vision, and she fiercely wiped them away, afraid she might lose sight of the image. This was her daughter, forever frozen in time from the day she was born, looking so small and fragile, as if just napping. As her fingers brushed the cold stone, Ann couldn't hold back her tears.
Ruby, standing beside her, had eyes that were just as red. Even though she knew the child resting beneath this gravestone wasn’t her biological daughter, the years of love and care had forged an unbreakable bond. In her heart, that child was her daughter too. Just like Chloe was in Ann’s heart. Human emotions are incredibly intricate that way. They choose where to place love, and once they do, even strangers can feel like family.
Leaving the cemetery behind, they headed back to the hospital. Once again, they faced the entire Shaw family. Chloe had a new perspective this time. She couldn’t deny she was excited, but it was all so unbelievable. She acted as she always did, keeping her demeanor and attitude unchanged. Everything felt so surreal; her mind hadn't fully caught up with the reality. Calling them godfather and godmother was easy enough, but mom and dad? Those words just wouldn't come out.
Chloe had no resentment, just surprise, joy, wonder, and disbelief. It was all like a dream. Ruby understood exactly how Chloe felt. She, too, found the situation surreal. When they spoke again, there was an unexpected awkwardness and caution in their conversation. “Chloe, we’re not going to push you. Call us mom and dad when you’re ready,” Ruby gently reassured her. Chloe nodded, “Alright, I just need a little time.”
It wasn’t that she couldn’t accept them; it was the sheer joy that was overwhelming, making it hard to express all at once. She needed to let it out slowly before she could face them with ease. However, the Shaw brothers misunderstood. They thought Chloe had some worries or hesitations, which was why she didn’t welcome them or the new family right away. So, they went out of their way to make themselves known to her every day.
Isaac was around constantly, his chatter filling the air to the point where Chloe’s head buzzed. Winston, already close to Chloe as her therapist and good friend, was someone she confided in. After listening to her, Winston was quietly thrilled but didn’t share her thoughts with the others. Watching them fret made him feel a bit superior. Heh. His sister was closest to him.
Wayne, on the other hand, was green with envy. Seeing his identical twin, Winston, have such a close bond with Chloe drove him nuts. He was, after all, a beloved Hollywood star, and they looked exactly alike. Why did their little sister prefer Winston? So, Wayne concocted a plan. He dyed his hair black, styled it like Winston’s, and donned a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, determined to win her favor.
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