The world seemed to tilt on its axis. I blinked rapidly, trying to process the words. “What do you mean, my twin?” I finally managed to ask, my voice trembling with disbelief.

“When you and Emily were born, there were complications,” he explained, the torment evident in his eyes. “We were young, scared. The doctors said it would be safer to separate you two. Emily went to live with your aunt for a while, and by the time we reunited, the lie had already taken root. We thought it would be easier if you grew up as sisters, not twins.”