Maya stepped into her apartment and gently closed the door behind her. The quiet click echoed through the empty space, reminding her of just how peaceful—yet lonely—this place could be. She dropped her keys into the ceramic bowl by the entrance and let out a soft sigh.

Her time at the Denovan home had been warm and full of emotion. Laughter, hugs, home-cooked meals, and the joyful discovery of a family she never knew she had. It all felt like something out of a dream.

But now, she was back to reality.

Earlier that morning, her parents had tried to convince her to stay.

“You don’t have to go,” Mrs....