Morning light leaked through the curtains, painting golden lines across Maya's notebook. She blinked, disoriented, only to find herself sitting upright on her bed, the journal still open on her lap. Her fingers had sketched well into the night—half-formed faces, flickers of shadow, and that same key again and again.
She stared at it now, her heart oddly calm despite the swirl of questions inside her. Why did it feel so familiar?
Downstairs, Aunt Grace called for breakfast, but Maya's appetite was elsewhere. She tucked the journal under her arm and wandered into the attic—her sanctuary. It was a room forgotten by time, cluttered with old trunks and memories. Dust danced in the beams of sunlight that broke through the window.
As she rummaged through one of the boxes, something caught her eye: a small, brass jewelry box with intricate carvings of vines and birds. Her fingers brushed the clasp.
Click.
It opened too easily.
Inside sat a faded photo of a young girl—herself. But not alone. Beside her was the man from last night, younger, smiling… holding her hand. Maya gasped.
"How—?"
Her hands trembled as she flipped the photo. On the back, scrawled in rushed handwriting:
"To our Maya – never forget who you are. – D."
D.
She didn't remember a father. Not truly. Not like this. Only flashes. Shouting. A warm laugh. A lullaby sung in a deep voice.
Maya ran downstairs, photo in hand.
"Aunt Grace," she said breathlessly, "do you know this man?"
Grace went still. The look on her face was answer enough.
"Maya…" she whispered, voice cracking. "You weren't supposed to find this. Not yet."
"Tell me. Please."
Grace hesitated. "That man is—was—your father's brother. Daniel. After your father disappeared… he tried to protect you. But there were… threats. Danger. We had to erase the past to keep you safe."
Maya's head spun. "So everything I felt… the dreams… the flashes… they're real?"
Grace nodded slowly. "You were never meant to forget. Only to heal first. And now... it's all coming back, isn't it?"
Outside, a car pulled up. Same dark vehicle as the night before. Daniel had returned.
Maya's fingers closed around the photo. Her voice was no longer shaky. "I'm ready."