The bell rang, its familiar tone echoing through the classroom like a soft song. It signaled the end of another day at kindergarten, but Maya wasn’t ready to go just yet. She sat on her tiny chair, hugging her backpack against her chest, watching curiously as Julio stood at the front of the class with a bright grin and a stack of neatly folded cards in his hands.
One by one, Julio walked up to each of their classmates, giving them a card. "Give this to your parents," he told each of them seriously, like a little grown-up. When one of the kids—Gion—asked what it was, Julio puffed his chest and said proudly, "It’s my birthday party invitation!"
Maya’s eyes sparkled. A birthday party?
Julio continued making his rounds, his voice cheerful as he explained the ti and place to the others. Then, without warning, he turned toward the door. "I’m gonna give so to the teachers too," he said to no one in particular, and ran off down the hallway, his laces slightly untied, flapping with each step.
Most of the other kids just tucked their invitations into their backpacks without looking at them, but Maya held hers carefully in her hands, tracing the cartoon balloon sticker that sealed the flap.
Just then, Nathan appeared beside her, his hair slightly ssy like always. "What’s that?" he asked, peeking over her shoulder.
Maya bead. "It’s an invitation! For Julio’s birthday party! He gave it to everyone."
Nathan’s eyebrows lifted. "Cool. Do we get cake?"
Before Maya could answer, Julio ca running back, a little out of breath, his cheeks red from the sprint. "Hey, Nathan!" he chirped, holding out another envelope. "Here. You get one too. You both have to co, okay?"
"We will!" Maya said quickly, practically bouncing on her toes.
Nathan gave a simple nod, stuffing the envelope into his pocket with his usual cool-don’t-care attitude, though Maya could tell he was curious too.
The three of them walked out of the classroom together. As they stepped into the courtyard, the sound of birds chirping overhead and laughter from other kids filled the air.
Then Maya saw her.
A tall woman, standing by the gate with long, sleek hair and a soft blue blouse tucked neatly into high-waisted slacks. She had gentle eyes and a kind smile that brightened the mont she spotted Julio. "There’s my boy," she said warmly.
"Mom!" Julio shouted, and with a delighted squeal, he rushed to her and threw his arms around her waist.
She bent down to hug him tightly, pressing a kiss on his cheek. Her eyes shifted from her son to Maya and Nathan, who stood nearby, watching shyly.
"You must be Nathan and Maya," she said, her voice like music, smooth and friendly. "Julio talks about you two all the ti."
Maya nodded quickly. "Yes, I’m Maya!" She pointed to her twin. "And he’s Nathan."
The woman chuckled. "I’m Julio’s mom. But you can call Auntie Paula, if you like."
Maya blinked up at the woman, and tried not to stare too hard. She was pretty, with long hair that shimred in the light and eyes that crinkled when she smiled.
Maya had seen her before, plenty of tis. But this was the first ti they’d actually talked. Like, really talked.
Nathan muttered a soft "Hello," while Maya gave a small wave. She couldn’t help but admire Paula’s shiny earrings—they sparkled like stars.
Then Paula tilted her head slightly, her gaze shifting from Maya to Nathan, back and forth, as if comparing them. Her eyes lingered just a little too long.
Maya tilted her own head, frowning. "Is there sothing wrong with our face?" she asked with a slight pout, reaching up to touch her cheek. "Or our clothes?"
"Oh, no! Of course not, sweetheart," Paula said quickly, her smile gentle but a little tight now. "You two are absolutely adorable. I’m sorry—I didn’t an to stare. It’s just... you look like soone I know. That’s all."
"Who?" Nathan asked, his voice curious but guarded.
Before Paula could respond, Julio tugged on her hand. "Mom, I’m hungry!"
Paula blinked, her mont of hesitation vanishing into a soft laugh. "Okay, okay. Let’s go get sothing to eat, then."
She turned back to the twins. "Have you two been picked up yet?"
Maya shook her head. "We’re going to daycare next. Our mommy will pick us up later."
Paula nodded slowly, as if filing the na away. "I see. Well, I hope I get to see you two again. Maybe at the party?"
Nathan nodded while Maya smiled brightly. "We’ll co! We already told Julio."
"Good," Paula said, squeezing Julio’s hand. "It was really nice to et you."
She turned, gently guiding Julio toward the sidewalk. "Say bye to your friends, sweetie."
"Bye!" Julio called, waving with his whole arm. "Don’t forget to ask your mom!"
"We won’t!" Maya called back.
Paula glanced over her shoulder one last ti, her eyes soft, thoughtful, lingering on them with sothing Maya couldn’t quite na. Then she and Julio disappeared down the sidewalk.
The breeze shifted, carrying the scent of blooming flowers from the garden nearby. Maya tugged at Nathan’s sleeve. "She was nice."
"Yeah," Nathan said slowly, glancing in the direction they left. "But why did she say we looked like soone she knows?"
"I dunno," Maya replied, then leaned closer. "Do you think we have a secret twin?"
Nathan gave her a side-eye. "Maya, we are twins."
"Oh," Maya giggled. "Right."
They stood there a mont longer, the invitation cards still tucked in their hands, the sunshine warm on their backs.
Nathan nodded slowly.
Maya scrunched her nose. "Do you think she ant we look like Mommy?"
"Maybe."
"Or Uncle Felix?"
"Probably."
"Or... do you think it’s..." she leaned closer, whispering, "Uncle Leonard?"
Nathan blinked but didn’t answer. He just kept walking, deep in thought. And Maya, for the first ti, felt like she was thinking just as hard as he was.
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