My brother and I were adopted as children—but 20 years later, I accidentally overheard our adoptive mother and uncovered a truth she had kept hidden all those years.

boys turned out fine. Better than she deserved.”

I didn’t know an Elena.

The name landed in the middle of my chest and sat there. I didn’t know an Elena.

“She was your sister, Clara.”

“She was a burden, Mom,” Clara hissed. “Showing up at my door with twin toddlers, begging me to take them for ‘just a few months’ while she continue reading …