Jessica had tracked down my husband first, sharing the truth with him before she found the courage to meet me. Slowly, the shock began to fade as I saw the honesty in her eyes. We sat together, sharing stories of the very different lives we’d lived.

Jessica had always wanted children but couldn’t have them, while I had a loud, chaotic home full of kids. Fate had separated us, but now it was giving us a second chance. My children instantly adored their newly discovered aunt, and soon Jessica became a regular presence in our home.

Weeks later, Jessica moved to a nearby neighborhood and started teaching at my daughter’s school. We often sit together on the storm shelter steps, the place where our story began, talking about the years we lost and the future we’re building. We can’t change the past, but we’ve chosen to move forward as sisters and friends. Family isn’t just about shared blood—it’s about showing up, staying, and making room for love. And in my heart, there will always be room for Jessica.