The drizzle swept against the dormitory window, creating a rhythmic sound that might have soothed some—but not Eliana.

She sat at the edge of her bed, her eyes blank as she stared at the floor. Her trembling fingers clutched a small photo of her mother, one she had always kept tucked in her wallet. A gentle face with a warm smile, nothing like the stranger who had appeared today—a woman who called herself Olivia, claiming to be her mother.

Without turning back, Eliana stood up and strode quickly to the dorm supervisor’s office.

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“Ms. Yana,” Eliana said softly but firmly as she opened the door to the girls’ dorm...