Rose's Past

Raphael caught up in the warm moment asked, "So, what's with the town's reaction to you? Their gaze were as if they were seeing a ghost."

The atmosphere suddenly shifted as Raphael innocent question brought up an uncomfortable topic. He immediately sensed the shift and his face softened with regret. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Rose despite the discomfort, smiled gently. "It's okay. It's nothing," she said "They're all like that... The town, I mean. They just... they don't understand."

Before anyone could respond, her younger brother suddenly burst out in frustration.

"Till when will you hide the truth, sister? Why won't you tell them?" His voice was sharp, filled with anger and confusion, and it increased the tension between them.

Rose's face faltered and a mixture of surprise and sadness crossed her features as she turned to face him. "You don't understand," she said softly.