the unfold Truth

Miriyam:"Phil, can you please inform Gab that I’m leaving?"

Thalam: "Wait—what? Why does *he* need to be informed about you?"

Miriyam bit her lip in frustration, her silence heavier than words. Beside her, Phil struck his forehead with his palm, clearly overwhelmed.

Kinedy:"Miriyam… are you hiding something from us? And Phil, how come you’re the only one who knows about this?"

Miriyam took a deep breath, her voice trembling but firm.

Miriyam: "Guys, I promise I’ll explain everything tomorrow. Just… please believe me when I say there’s a reason for all of this. Until then, don’t ask Phil anything—and please don’t blame him. None of this is his fault."

She ran home, clutching her secrets tightly in her mind. Her heart pounded as she wondered how she would ever explain everything to them. The moment she saw her parents, she slowed down, forcing a smile.

Miriyam:Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. Why are you so early?

Her parents exchanged a quick glance, excitement written all over their faces.

Mom:Your brother is coming to town today. We thought you’d be happy, so we picked you up a little earlier.

Miriyam froze.

Miriyam:My… brother?

She let out a nervous laugh. **Brother?!** I don’t have one.

Did you… adopt a child without telling me?

Mom: Other than you? You alone are already a huge mountain for us. And besides, you have two other sisters—aren’t they more than enough?

Miriyam rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile.

Later that evening, her brother Akuil arrived.

To Miriyam and her family, he was no less than their own blood. He was only a year older than her, yet he had always been her protector, her partner in mischief, and her safest place. Every vacation, they spent their days together—laughing, arguing, dreaming.

Their bond was so strong, so unbreakable, that no one would have ever dared to come between them.

She eagerly prepared everything for his arrival. By half past four, he finally appeared at the door, dragging a huge piece of luggage behind him.

Miriyam ran toward him with a wide smile.

“Akuil!”

She threw her arms around him, hugging him so tightly he could barely breathe.

Pulling back, she looked at his face—then at the bag.

“Are you going away or something?” she asked, half-joking.

Akuil shook his head slowly.

“No… I can’t stay in my town anymore.”

Miriyam’s smile faded. Her voice dropped, suspicious and uneasy.

“And exactly why is that?”

He smiled awkwardly and gently patted her head.

After freshening up, Akuil and Miriyam rushed outside to play soccer. Miriyam had been a state-level soccer player, and ever since they were kids, she had practiced with him. She never had a brother, and Akuil had always filled that space in her life.

The game was fast and familiar—laughter, quick passes, dusty shoes. Then, suddenly, Akuil trapped the ball under his foot and stopped.

Miriyam frowned.

**“What’s wrong? Why did you stop?”**

He avoided her eyes, staring at the ground instead.

**“Miriyam… I think I’m in love with a girl.”**

The ball rolled away slowly between them as the air grew heavy.

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