Evie holds her breath as she peers through the cracked wardrobe door into Father’s office. He looks exhausted, but it’s who’s trailing behind him that she’s trying to study.

The stranger must be barely older than them. Why did Father bring a boy home? One who’s been crying; does Father know-

“Let me see,” Jacob jostles her, and his impatience always gets them caught. Father stiffens, hand flexing before he lays it flat on his desk.

“Out, now,” he says, quiet and firm. “Both of you.” Shame-faced, they emerge as Father says, “Jayadeep, my children.”

The twins stare. Jayadeep shies.