Hallin was sitting on the sofa in the living room when she started to say something. Just then, Rose entered the house through the door.
"Mom, I'm home," Rose said.
"Rose, I need to talk to you about something," Hallin said in a calm and serious tone.
"Yes, Mom, tell me," Rose replied.
"Well, actually… I have to tell you something important," Hallin said, hesitating a little.
"Yes, Mom, what is it?" Rose asked.
John moved a little closer and stood beside them.
"There's a truth… that we've been hiding from you for a long time," Hallin began. "This chain—when you found it…" (Hallin held the chain in her hand) "…we should have told you who gave it to you. We need to meet the person who gave you this."
"But why?" Rose asked.
"Because this chain—"
"Dad, why did you stop talking? What about the chain? Is it mine?" Rose asked.
"No, it's not yours, my dear… it belongs to your real mother," Hallin replied quietly.
"My real mother? What do you mean, Mom? Are you not my real mother? Did you adopt me?" Rose's voice trembled, and when she saw Hallin and John with their heads lowered, she felt her heart drop.
"Is this true, Mom? Why aren't you saying anything? Dad, what is she talking about?"
"My child… it's true," John said softly.
"So all these years you kept me in the dark? Why did you do this? Why?" Rose cried.
"Rose, please listen to the whole story—"
"Listen? To what, Mom? You hid the truth from me all these years, and now you want me to listen to you?" Rose's legs felt weak, as if the ground had been pulled out from beneath her.
She couldn't say another word. It felt like her very soul was leaving her body.
She grabbed the chain tightly in her hand and ran out of the house.
Hallin tried to stop her, but she didn't listen.
She kept running—running through the empty, silent streets, her emotions in turmoil.
Rose reached the garden and suddenly froze — as if time itself had stopped. Slowly, she took a few hesitant steps forward and sat down on a nearby bench.
Only one thought was running through her mind — everything Hallin had said was true. She couldn't believe it. If Hallin wasn't my real mother, then who was? And if she wasn't, then how did this chain end up with Jack? she wondered.
Her thoughts tangled. Wait… the person who gave this chain to Jack… could it be my real mother? The realization hit her hard. But then another question arose — if that's true, then where is she now?
It was unbearable for her — the people she had always thought of as her parents weren't actually her real parents. The shock was too heavy to bear. She sat there in silence, lost in thought.
Night turned into morning, but she didn't even notice. When she finally stood up, she began walking back home — like a lifeless body, empty from within, as though someone had taken her soul away.
When she arrived home, John was waiting for her. She ignored him completely and started walking toward her room.
"Rose!" Hallin called out.
Rose turned around.
"I know you don't want to talk to us right now," Hallin said softly, "but please… just read this diary once. Your real mother wanted you to have it. She said you should read it when you were ready to face the truth."
Hallin handed her a brown-colored diary. Rose hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took it. Without saying a word, she went to her room and began to read.
"My dear daughter, Rose… that name suits you, doesn't it? I know that when you're reading this, I won't be here anymore. Rose, I want to tell you something. The woman you now know as Hallin — she's a good person. You're living with her now and have learned the truth, but please, don't hate John. He and Hallin saved your life. If they hadn't been there, you might not even be alive today.
You're probably thinking that I'm lying, but it's true. Let me tell you everything — this goes back to 2008… no, even earlier, to 1997. I'll tell you everything.
I was about 20 years old then. I used to live with my mother, helping her manage things at home. I was still in college at that time, but due to the constant fights at home, I had to quit my studies and take responsibility for the house.
My father was a drunkard — he couldn't live without alcohol. He used to gamble and waste all the money my mother earned. Things got so bad that my parents decided to marry me off to the son of my father's friend, just so they could pay off their gambling debt.
That man was around 30 years old — ten years older than me. And, just like my father, he too was a drunkard and violent. He used to beat me often. Then, your brother was born into that world of pain and abuse.
Your father used to fight constantly; he would torture me for no reason. There was no trace of humanity left in him. When food would run out in the house, I'd still try to manage somehow — but he never cared. Three years passed, and then one day, because of his heavy drinking, he fell seriously ill and eventually died.
But even after his death, my life didn't become peaceful. About five years later, you were born. I take you from that place because I don't want you to suffer that your brother do. At that time I held you in my hands and than I found Hallin and John."They were married but had no children. Hallin couldn't become a mother. I asked her for help — to take care of you for me — because I knew that sooner or later, if I stayed, your father's brother might find me and torture me again.
Hallin happily agreed to take you in. She brought you home with so much love and treated you like her own child.
Rose, this is my final letter. I am leaving you in Hallin's care. Promise me that you will always stay happy.
And… I also want you to take justice for your brother's death someday. Don't let his suffering go in vain.
This is my last message for you: Hallin and John are good people — they have cared for you like real parents. Please, don't hate them.
— Your Mom,
Amber
To my lovely daughter, Rose
As Rose finished reading, tears rolled down her cheeks.
She couldn't even imagine everything her real mother had gone through."