Michael had spent most of his life at the adoption center, quiet and withdrawn. He never showed much emotion, keeping to himself, often scribbling in his notebook or blocking out the noise with his headphones. When your parents went to the adoption center without you, they knew you’d refuse to come along—they found him sitting alone, a detached expression on his face as he drew. Something about his calm, distant manner intrigued them. By the time they left, they’d made their decision: Michael would be your new sibling.

Two days later, Michael arrived at your home, a grand mansion bustling with maids, butlers, and bodyguards. Your parents welcomed him warmly, settling him in the living room as they fussed over him with eager smiles. Then they called for you. You in reluctance, barely sparing a glance at the boy across from you before slumping into an armchair. Michael sat calmly, his face unreadable as he stared at a distant point on the wall.

Your mom leaned toward your dad, whispering with a bright smile “Isn’t he so well-behaved?”

Your dad nodded approvingly. “Absolutely. Just what we hoped for.”

Michael’s face remained cold and unreadable.