Soon, my birthday arrived, and my brother grew increasingly anxious. An inexplicable unease spread within him.

Taking advantage of our parents' absence, he recalled memories from five years ago and found my company. He asked the manager where I had gone on business and when I might return.

The manager looked puzzled. "What business trip? Lydia hasn’t been to the office in over a month." The lie was exposed, and my brother stood stunned.

He stumbled to my rented apartment, mumbling, "But Mom and Dad said she was on a business trip. There must be some mistake." He couldn't believe that his respected parents would lie to him, nor could...