Time slipped by, and still, Tomas remained outside in the cold.
"Dad, where is the twins' room?" Star asked.
"Inside…" Tomas muttered.
"Which side?"
"This one," he pointed.
Star rose and moved to the back, near the twins' room. She knocked lightly.
"Danila," she whispered, calling several times. But it was Danielo who stirred.
"Daniela?" Star tried again.
"Mom…?" Danielo murmured, confused.
"No, no…don't call for Mom," Star whispered quickly.
"Who are you?" he asked, sitting up.
"I'm your sister."
Daniela woke next. "Who are you talking to?" he asked groggily.
"Uh… just someone who lost their way. Go back to sleep," Danielo replied quickly, casting a wary glance toward the door.
"No, Daniela, please…" Star begged softly.
But the twins went back to sleep, and the room fell silent. Star didn't move. She stood her ground.
"Daniela, please. Your father's outside. Open the door for him," she whispered again.
Still no response.
She clenched her hands and prayed. "God, please… touch their hearts. These are just kids. Please."
Meanwhile, Mandume was on the phone with Bonita.
"Boni, what are you guys doing there? It's late. You know you shouldn't be driving at night. What if something happens?"
"Star's dad is locked outside," Bonita said. "His wife refuses to open the door. Star's trying to talk to her, but he won't leave. I suggested they come to our hotel, but he said he'd rather sleep outside… And Star said she'd stay with him. I can't just leave them here."
"Oh, hell no. I'm coming. Right now." Mandume hung up.
He snuck out, hailed a cab, and headed to Goreangab.
Back at the house, Star whispered again through the crack in the door.
"Daniela…"
Finally, one of the twins stirred—quietly. Star held her breath, praying it was Daniela. The small feet padded toward the door, carefully.
Star felt a shiver ripple through her, but when she saw her father outside trembling in the cold, she hardened her resolve.
"Oh, God… Dad… you're freezing. Someone's coming, I promise," she whispered.
"Dad…" came the soft voice behind the door.
"Hey Daniela… please, open the door. Your father's out here, freezing," Star said.
"Okay…" Daniela replied softly.
He crept into his mother's room, took the key from the table with shaking hands, and tiptoed back to the door. The lock clicked.
The door opened.
Star exhaled. "Thank you… thank you so much, Daniela."
Daniela stepped out and looked up at her, confused. "Excuse me, Aunt… are you… Star?"
"Yes, I am. But I'm not your aunt—I'm your sister."
Daniela's eyes widened. He launched forward and hugged her tightly, tearful.
"I always felt I had a sister somewhere. I just knew it. I hope this isn't a dream."
Star pinched his cheek gently.
"Ow!"
"It's not a dream," she smiled.
He beamed. "There's Danielo. Should I call him?"
"No, no, let him sleep," Tomas said quickly.
Just then, Frieda stormed into the living room, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Oh… you actually made it inside. Who opened the door?"
"Frieda, ma'am… good evening," Star greeted, forcing a polite smile.
"Evening. You're here too?"
"Yes… it's been a long night."
"Didn't your father tell you what happens when he comes home late?" Frieda snapped.
"He did… but can we save that for tomorrow? He's freezing. Could we get some coffee, please?"
"What? Are you just like him? This is my house—not your broken one," she spat.
Star's fists clenched. Her jaw tightened. Tomas saw the fire in her eyes and stepped in.
"Star has a sharp tongue," he muttered. "She might get us both kicked out."
"I didn't mean to enrage you, ma'am," Star said, voice tight, "but maybe let's not talk about broken homes."
"Star!" Tomas interrupted. "Please. I'm inside now. You can go. Thank you… we'll see each other again."
"Dad, don't let her control you," Star said, hugging him tightly.
"I'll walk you out," Daniela chimed in.
Frieda glared. "We'll talk about this tomorrow," she said coldly and turned away.
Outside, under the dim porch light, Star knelt before Daniela.
"You're a good boy. Very smart. Very kind. What you did tonight—for Dad—God is proud of you for that."
Daniela blinked, touched. "But… how do you know that about me? We just met."
Star smiled. "Because when someone is good, people talk. Your dad told me. And tonight, you proved it."
Daniela nodded solemnly. "Sister, why aren't you sleeping here?"
"I'll come sleep over soon. I promise. Next time, I'll bring you lots of gifts and we'll have fun. Okay?"
"You sure?" he asked.
"Pinkie promise?"
"Hmm… promise me first," she said. "Promise me you'll talk to Dad. Obey him. Respect him."
Daniela frowned. "Why would you ask that?"
"Because kids who don't obey and respect their parents… are called evil. And I know you're not evil, right?"
He shook his head. "No, I'm not."
"Exactly. So I promise we'll sleep together soon. And you…"
"I'll obey and respect Dad," he finished.
"No breaking it," she said, and they shook hands.
"I won't… I'm not a bad child. I just find him annoying," he admitted.
Star blinked, surprised.
"Uhm… no, no," she said gently. "No child is naturally annoyed by their parents. Do you know God?"
Daniela nodded.
"Then ask God to help you see the best in your dad. Let's do something together. Close your eyes and repeat after me."
Daniela closed his eyes.
"God, forgive me and accept me as your child again. Please recreate me and make me new. Do the same for Danielo and Mom. And forgive Dad. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen."
"Amen," Daniela whispered.