The fake son of our family said I stole his watch, caused my sister became furious at me.
She immediately took me to court and went as far to hire the best lawyer to defend the guy. In the end, I was sentenced to three years for theft.
Before I went in, the lawyer advised my sister. “You just need to scare him a little. If he really goes to jail, your brother’s life will be ruined, you know?”
However, my sister calmly said, “Stealing is not a small matter. He must learn his lesson. As for his future, I’ll take responsibility for that.”
Three years later, when I was finally released, my sister approached with red eyes and reached out her hand to me. “Now you understand your mistake, right? Come, let’s go home.”
But I stepped away from her without showing much reaction and ignored her welcoming hand.
Inside the prison, I had met a new sister.
And my new sister said she believed my story.
——
My sister Renata was shocked that I avoided her completely. She didn’t withdraw her hand but reached out again instead. She quickly and firmly pulling me toward her.
“Rein, why are you avoiding me? Did someone bully you in the prison?” Her voice was rough, as if something was stuck in her throat.
I tried several times to pull my hand away, but failed. So I answered lightly, “No.”
She let out a breath of relief and held on tighter. “That’s good. I read online that prison is a terrible place. As long as no one hurt you then…”
Looking at her relieved face and her reddening eyes, I laughed bitterly in silence.
Sister, weren’t you the one who tried every possible way to send me into jail? Why care now? What’s the point?
Renata forced a smile and pulled me toward the car all the while trying to please me. “You always liked lively occasions, right? I prepared a welcome-back dinner for you. Come! let’s go home.”
I turned back to look at the prison one last time before leaving.
While I was jailed, I met a new sister. Her name was Rosetta Skylar. She had been falsely accused of financial fraud and still had one month left before release. We already agreed that I would pick her up then and we’d live together.
As I was thinking of my late father’s belongings at home, I finally settled into my sister’s car.
On our way home, Renata touched my newly shaved hair and spoke like she was warning me, “Rein, you must never steal again. Let this be you first and last lesson.”
I clenched my fingers at that.
For the past three years, I asked the guards many times to send her messages. I tried telling her that I never stole Leonhart's things. That fake son framed me.
Sadly, my own sister Renata never believed me.
So this time, I didn’t even bother to explain and simply nodded obediently. “I know,” I said agreeing.
My sister smiled with satisfaction and drove me home.
As soon as the door opened colorful ribbons exploded into the air. The fake son Leonhart, whom I hadn’t seen for three years, held a party popper and smiled brightly.
“Brother, welcome home!” He acted perfectly, as if overflowing with affection. It wasn't like the jealous face he had when he accused me of stealing.
I ignored him, brushing past his shoulder as I walked further inside home.
Leonhart's smile stiffened and he looked at my sister awkwardly for help. “Why isn’t he talking to me? Is he still mad at me?”
My sister patted his head lovingly. “Rein just got out, Leon. He’s just not used to this yet. It’s not your fault.”
***
I was already in my room, pulling open the drawer under the bed. Seeing my father’s old photos and his ring still there, I finally relaxed.
My sister stood at the door and called softly. “Rein, come eat with us. You look so much thinner… I can see your ribs.”
I closed the drawer and followed her out.
During dinner, Leon chatted casually before looking at me with mischief.
