A few days later, Maya stood in her room, neatly organizing her closet after doing laundry. As she folded and organized, she hummed softly, feeling productive for the first time in days. Since the new domestic staff arrived, she had less to do and found herself with too much free time. It was midday; Derek and Evelyn had left for work after dropping Samantha off at school, leaving her with nothing to occupy her. She had tried to befriend the domestic staff, but they seemed uncomfortable around her. She suspected it was because they perceived her as superior, a member of the family; they consistently called her "ma'am." Thinking about it, she chuckled softly, shaking her head.

Hours passed as she worked, transforming the cluttered closet into an orderly space. She stacked sweaters in neat piles and hung her dresses in a perfect color gradient. As she reached the back of the closet, her hand brushed against something hard and unfamiliar. Frowning, she crouched down. Hidden behind a stack of old scarves was a worn plastic first-aid box—an old box she'd repurposed as a keepsake box.

She carried it to her bed. Sitting cross-legged, she opened it with curiosity and nostalgia. She'd completely forgotten about it and didn't remember bringing it to Ludus. Inside was a collection of small items: concert tickets, childhood trinkets, photos, and notes she'd kept over the years. Each item evoked a memory, and she smiled as she handled them. Then, her fingers brushed against a delicate silver chain.

She lifted it carefully; the locket's swing caught her breath. She recognized it instantly—the locket her mother had given her before she died. Maya's throat tightened as she turned it over. Her mother had said the locket was in her hand when she was pulled from the car wreck. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened the tiny clasp. Inside was a picture of her biological parents and a boy no older than seven—her older brother. Their faces stared back, frozen in time. She had no memory of them, yet they felt familiar, a ghost of a feeling at the edge of her mind. She traced her brother's image with her thumb, her heart aching. Should I try to find him? What would I find? The question weighed heavily on her. She'd pushed the thought aside for years, convincing herself it wasn't worth the effort. But now, with her newfound stability and the love of Evelyn and Derek, she wondered if it was time. She had enough information: the picture; the orphanage where he'd been placed; and she also knew—

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone buzzing on the nightstand. Liam's name flashed on the screen. Smiling, she answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey, M," Liam's warm voice greeted her. "How are you doing today?"

"I'm good," she replied, setting the locket down. "What about you? Are you more settled now?"

"Getting there," he admitted. "The unpacking helped, so thanks for that."

"I'm glad I could help," she said, leaning back against her pillows. "How's Evelyn? And Samantha?"

"They're good. Everything's okay here."

"Good to hear. So, what were you up to before I called?" he asked casually.

Maya hesitated, then decided to be honest. "I was going through my keepsake box. Actually, I found something I'd like your opinion on."

"Okay. What is it?"

"Uhm, I haven't really told anyone this before, but I'd like a second opinion," she said, and proceeded to tell him about her mother's deathbed revelation and the possibility of a brother. Liam listened quietly. "Do you think I should try to find him? Or should I leave things as they are?" she asked softly.

Liam paused. "Why haven't you tried before?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "I guess I was afraid. Afraid of what I might find—or not find. But lately, I've been thinking about it more, and now that I have some time… maybe I should."

Liam's voice was reassuring. "I think you should. And if you're serious, I'll help you. Just give me the details."

Maya felt relieved. "Thank you, Liam…"

"I haven't done anything to earn your gratitude yet," he said, and she smiled.

"Offering to help is more than enough," she countered.

"If you say so. So, tell me what I need to know. Where did the accident happen? Husla?" He asked, and she sighed.

"Yes. I might have to travel. My mother told me she left him at an orphanage after the accident. St. Theresa's Orphanage," she said, and Liam raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, there? I know there. I used to volunteer there," he said, and Maya's heart skipped a beat.

"You do?"

"Yeah. I don't think you'll need to travel. I can call them; I'm sure they'll have answers. Do you know when the accident happened? That would help."

Maya nodded. "Yes. It's my birthday. My mom said the birthdate I've been using is actually the date of the accident, not my real birthday. That's the date she took me in," she explained.

Liam frowned. "Why would she make the same day you lost your family your birthday?"

"I don't think she thought about it that way," Maya said softly.

"Well, then, send me the picture in the locket," Liam said. "I'll look into it. By the end of the day, or tomorrow at the latest, we should know about his adoption." Maya smiled, feeling lighter. "You're amazing, Liam. Thank you. I'm so glad I confided in you."

"Anytime," he replied, then added, "So, about the reason I called…"

"Oh! You had a reason apart from checking on me?" She asked jokingly, and he chuckled.

"Can we hang out again this weekend?" he asked, and Maya raised an eyebrow, her smile unchanged. "Are you bored again?"

"Not exactly bored—I just enjoyed your company so much and want to hang out with you," Liam teased.

"Aww. I'm flattered. We can hang out, but on one condition," Maya said. "What?"

"You have to talk to Evelyn. I don't want to keep lying to her about you."

Liam groaned. "You're not lying…"

"Yes, I am," Maya said firmly, then sighed. "Listen, I get that you're embarrassed, but you don't even have to tell her the whole truth; just let her know you're in Ludus. That's all." Liam sighed. "Okay, fine. I'll call her."

"Good. Make sure you don't change your mind," Maya said, pleased.

"I will try not to. I'll get back to you after I hear from the orphanage. Talk to you later."

"Later, Liam."

As the call ended, Maya looked back at the locket. A new sense of purpose filled her. Maybe it was time to find the missing piece of her past—and herself, she thought as she put the necklace on.