The night before her first day back to school, the house cracked.
Not from wind. Not from rain. But from Lelo's scream.
It came from behind the lavender-colored door, sharp as glass and high-pitched enough to make Serene drop her brush.
The walls trembled.
She froze on the edge of her bed.
Then came a bang.
And another.
And another.
Roman's calm voice filtered through the corridor, low and patient.
"No, Lelo."
"I don't want to share her!" Lelo shrieked. "She's mine! Mine! Why did you say she could go?"
"You're not losing her—"
"You said she was our beginning! You lied!"
Something hit the wall.
Something else shattered.
Then a pause.
Silence.
And a whisper from the little girl that made Serene's stomach twist.
> "She'll forget me. Just like my first mother did."
---
Serene couldn't sleep.
She knew they wouldn't stop her now — not after Roman's words — but the air felt heavier than before. Like the walls were breathing against her.
When morning finally came, she dressed in a long skirt and a plain black top. Pulled her hair into a simple knot. Took shallow breaths.
At the foot of the staircase, Roman stood.
Suited. Still. Smiling.
Lelo stood beside him in a yellow coat, her rabbit clutched in one hand and a stuffed lunchbox in the other.
Roman didn't speak right away.
He simply extended his hand.
Serene took a step.
He stopped her with a look.
> "A kiss," he said softly. "You don't leave this house without giving your husband a kiss."
Serene's mouth dried.
She looked at Lelo, hoping for mercy.
But the girl stepped forward too, lifting her face eagerly.
> "Me too! I want one too! On the lips, like he gets."
Serene stared at the door.
Then at the keys Roman held behind his back.
Then closed her eyes.
She kissed Roman first — quickly. Like touching ice.
Then bent and kissed the little girl, who sighed like she'd just been hugged by the stars.
> "Don't be long, Mama," Lelo whispered. "We'll miss you... so much."
---
When Serene finally stepped outside, the wind felt fake.
The street was quiet. The sky too blue.
And still — behind her — she could feel their eyes.
Smiling.
Waiting.
---