A New Arrival :

Life continued in the small suburban home, where the silent tension between Freina and Tiaki grew heavier with each passing day. Freina clung to Triaji for comfort, while Tiaki felt more isolated and resentful. It seemed nothing could bridge the growing gap within the family.

One evening, Freina gathered Triaji and Tiaki in the living room, a rare occurrence that piqued their curiosity. Her demeanor was unusually serious, yet there was a hint of hope in her eyes.

“Girls,” Freina began, her voice wavering slightly, “I have a surprise for you.”

Tiaki’s heart fluttered with a rare sense of hope. Maybe this would be the moment when her mother would finally see her, acknowledge her. Triaji, sitting beside her, looked up with wide, expectant eyes.

The door creaked open, and Freina walked in, holding the hand of a girl neither Triaji nor Tiaki had seen before. The girl was older, about fourteen, with black hair and black eyes. She had a gentle, kind face that immediately radiated warmth and kindness.

“This is Tomie,” Freina said with a soft smile. “She’s going to be your new sister.”

Tomie stepped forward, her eyes shining with a mixture of shyness and excitement. “Hello,” she said softly, giving a small wave.

Triaji, always eager to make new friends, jumped up and ran to Tomie, hugging her around the waist. “Hi, Tomie! I’m Triaji!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy.

Tomie smiled down at Triaji and returned the hug, her kind eyes twinkling. “It’s so nice to meet you, Triaji,” she said warmly.

Tiaki, however, felt a pang of bitterness. Instead of the reconciliation she had hoped for, her mother was bringing in someone new, someone to further divert her attention. She stayed in her seat, watching the scene unfold with a heavy heart.

Over the next few days, Tomie settled into the household. She quickly bonded with Triaji, playing games with her and helping with her schoolwork. Triaji adored her new sister, and the two of them could often be found giggling together in the living room or playing outside in the yard.

Freina was visibly relieved by Tomie’s presence. Tomie’s obedient and caring nature brought a sense of peace to the household that had been missing since Francis’ death. Freina often praised Tomie for her helpfulness and kind heart, further deepening the bond between them.

She appreciated Freina’s kindness and was eager to show her gratitude by helping out around the house and caring for Triaji. She worked hard to fit in, always willing to lend a hand and offer a comforting word.

But for Tiaki, Tomie’s presence only deepened the chasm between her and her mother. While Freina and Tomie would chat and laugh in the kitchen, Triaji played nearby, their cheerful voices a constant reminder of what Tiaki was missing. The more she saw Freina and Tomie together, the more she felt replaced and unwanted.

Tiaki tried to join in a few times, hoping to connect with Tomie and perhaps bridge the gap with her mother. But her attempts were often awkward and stilted, met with polite smiles from Tomie and lukewarm acknowledgment from Freina. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was an outsider in her own home.

One afternoon, Tiaki watched from the doorway as Tomie braided Triaji’s hair, their heads close together as they whispered and giggled. Freina sat nearby, smiling at the scene. Tiaki’s heart ached with jealousy and sadness. She turned away, unable to bear the sight.

Tomie, sensing Tiaki’s distance, tried to reach out. She would invite Tiaki to join them in their games or offer to help with her homework, but Tiaki’s pride and resentment often made her decline. Tomie didn’t push, respecting Tiaki’s space, but she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for inadvertently causing such pain.

As the weeks went by, the dynamic in the household settled into a new routine. Tomie’s presence brought a semblance of normalcy, but the underlying tension remained. Freina continued to neglect Tiaki, too caught up in her grief and guilt to see the damage she was causing.

Triaji, ever the optimist, believed things would get better. She loved both her sisters and hoped they could all be happy together. She often tried to include Tiaki in their activities, but her innocent efforts were rarely successful.

Freina, on the other hand, felt a mix of relief and guilt. She was grateful for Tomie’s help and the joy she brought to Triaji, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was failing Tiaki. Late at night, she would lie awake, haunted by memories of Francis and the unspoken blame she placed on Tiaki.

The household continued on, with laughter and sorrow intertwined. Tomie’s kindness and Triaji’s innocence provided moments of light, but the shadow of neglect and unresolved grief loomed ever present. The stage was set for the changes that were yet to come, and each family member braced themselves for the unknown.

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