At ten, my life split in two. My parents left me with Gran “for a little while” so they could focus on Chloe’s gymnastics. That little while became forever. Gran tried, but she was aging, and soon Uncle Rob and Aunt Lisa took me in. They couldn’t have children and called me their miracle kid.

Over time, they became everything I longed for. Lisa braided my hair, came to every school event, and Rob spoiled me with ice cream and bad jokes. At sixteen, they officially adopted me. By then, my biological parents had disappeared—no calls, no birthday cards. By twelve, I stopped trying.

Years later, I built a life with Rob and Lisa, studied IT, and found a career I loved. Then Chloe’s accident ended her gymnastics, and suddenly my bio-parents wanted me back. They sent cheerful texts, then cornered me on Christmas Eve at church.

“Melody, you’re so beautiful,” my mother said. I pulled back: “Sorry, do I know you? My parents are at home.” Their faces fell. Later they even asked for money. I laughed. “I don’t owe you. Rob and Lisa raised me.”

On New Year’s Day, surrounded by love, I knew who my real family was.