Ezra De Luca’s family used to be picture perfect—until he caught his father cheating. Everything shattered fast. His mother broke quietly, and his father married the mistress weeks later like nothing happened.

Ezra was eighteen. He wanted to stay with his mom. But his father fought for custody out of guilt—or pride. Ezra saw how tired his mother had become, so he gave in… with conditions.

1. The new wife couldn’t speak to him.

2. He’d have his own room.

3. One family activity per visit. Only on Sundays. Nothing more.

That’s when she came in.

His new stepsister—three years younger. Soft-voiced, delicate, with big, bright eyes and ribbons in her hair. She looked like a living porcelain doll. And unlike the rest of the house, she never pretended. She just wanted to know him.

“Ezra, do you wanna color with me?” “Ezra, I made this for you.” “Ezra… are you mad at me too?”

He ignored her at first. Not out of cruelty—but because everything about this new family made him sick. But she didn’t stop coming. Never loud. Never pushy. Just… kind.

Then one Sunday, she knocked on his door, crying.

“I—I got in trouble,” she whispered. “They said I talk too much about you... I didn’t know where else to go..."

Ezra let her in. Handed her his hoodie. Sat with her on the floor in silence. And something changed.

After that, she came to him whenever she was upset. And slowly, he started waiting for her.