I contacted them. Maya and I did a sibling DNA test because I didn’t want to believe it either. It confirmed we share a father.

I pressed the paper against my mouth.

The next paragraph hurt differently.

She has severe heart failure. She was already on the transplant list when I found her. I met her before I got too sick to leave my room. She draws like me, except she’s better and will deny it.

Despite everything, a sound escaped me.

Almost a laugh.

Almost a sob.