A simple DNA test revealed everything I thought I knew. Staring at the television, I was paralyzed, my breath seized. My head shouted that it was a mistake, but my heart knew.
My life would never be the same.
DNA tests were intended to be amusing, unusual birthday gifts for me. Instead, it shattered my universe.
Alex here, and until a few days ago, I believed my life was wonderful. My parents, Carla and Martin, treated me like the center of the world as an only child.
I never felt deprived. I always had the newest electronics, unexpected presents, and infinite affection, even if we weren’t rich.
Dad brought the latest VR headset home last week.
What’s the event? Wide-eyed, I asked.
Do I need a cause to indulge my favorite son?
He smiled.
“You mean your only son,” Mom laughed.
“Exactly! Dad added, “He gets double the love,” messing up my hair.
Everything was always pleasant, cheery, and excellent. Until that stupid DNA test results arrived.
It was just curiosity.
An internet kit that claims you’re 3% Scandinavian or descended from medieval rulers. I ordered it, spat in a tube, and forgot.
On a wet Thursday afternoon weeks later, the email said, “Your DNA results are ready.”
I sprang off the sofa and grabbed my laptop. As I clicked the link, my heart raced.
Heritage was intriguing. German, Irish, and unexpectedly Mediterranean. I was halted by the “Relatives” section.
Sibling: Close familial match.
Name: Noah R.”
I blinked. Page refreshed. Internet browser closed and reopened.
Sibling?
It couldn’t be.
Being the lone kid. Everyone knew. Looked at the name again.
Noah?
I contacted the DNA business with trembling fingers.
“Hi, I think there’s a mistake in my results,” I mumbled.
“Hi Alex,” perky salesperson said.
“We double-check results. What’s wrong?
It claims I have a brother. That’s impossible.”
“I understand how surprising it can be,” she remarked kindly.
Our near related matches are quite accurate. It might be an unknown sibling.”
Calling didn’t help. My head felt short-circuited.
I confronted Dad when he came home.
Tried to sound casual.
“Dad, remember my DNA test?”
He nodded, untying his tie.
It linked me with Noah. He claims to be my brother.”
Dad froze. The color left his face.
“Where did you hear that name?” he murmured.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
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