Just a DNA test. Just for fun. It started with curiosity.

After that, the results dropped a bombshell: I had a brother. His name was Daniel.

Sh0cked, I went straight to my dad. The color drained from his face when I said Daniel’s name.“Don’t tell your mom,” he said, barely getting the words out. “She doesn’t know. It was an affair. Years ago. If she finds out, she’ll leave.”

I promised that I would stay quiet. But I couldn’t let it go.

I Took a DNA TestI reached out to Daniel, and we met some days later. He was easygoing, warm—instantly familiar. Then he said to me something that stopped me cold:“You remember the lake by our old house?” he asked with a smile. “We used to swing on that rusty swing set and throw rocks. Scruffy would always chase them.”“What are you talking about? I’ve never lived near a lake. We never lived together.”

Daniel’s smile faded. “What do you mean? We lived together until we were five. You… you don’t remember?”

My stomach dropped.