The System’s Quest

After five grueling years on my mission, I was finally back in my own world.
But my children were clinging to a woman who looked almost identical to me. My husband wore a strained, awkward expression. And my parents, their eyes shifting guiltily, offered an explanation.
This is Sienna. When you were in a coma, she she took on your responsibilities.
We owe her a great deal.
1.
My son and daughter held tight to Siennas skirt, their eyes wary as they watched me. It was as if I were some kind of monster.
I clenched the bedsheets, a sharp pain twisting in my heart. The hand my husband, Ethan, had on my shoulder tightened. I looked around at the others in the room. They had been discussing the automatic emergency alert system theyd installed on my phone, but Siennas sudden entrance had clearly caught them off guard.
My parents looked deeply uncomfortable. While you were unconscious, Sienna was the one who took care of us, my dad explained. We were going to introduce you properly when we got home.
My mother-in-law chimed in. Yes, now that youre awake, you two should get along. Dont cause us any more worry, alright?
Sienna smiled, a challenging glint in her eyes, and walked over to my bedside.
I said nothing. In my mind, I silenced the System.
Ill give you my answer in a few days.
The Systems synthesized voice sighed, then faded into the background of my thoughts.
Seeing that I was ignoring her, Siennas eyes welled with tears. She blinked, and a single tear traced a path down her cheek as she forced a pitiful smile. Im so sorry, I was being impulsive. Its only natural that youd hate me. Ill Ill go
She didnt give anyone a chance to react. She just turned and fled.
My mother-in-law stomped her foot in frustration and hurried after her. Ethan instinctively stood up, but his eyes met mine and he froze, slowly sinking back into his chair. He pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice the same soothing murmur hed always used to comfort me.
Dont overthink it. Youre the only one for me.
My daughter, Lily, lifted her skirt and ran after Sienna. My son, Finn, shot me a look of pure hatred before slamming the door so hard the walls shook.
I didnt understand.
My two sweet, adorable children how had they become like this?
Seeing my silence, my parents excused themselves to handle the discharge paperwork. A short while later, I was in a wheelchair, being pushed out of the hospital.
But as the car pulled away, I realized we werent heading home.
Dad, I said, my voice trembling slightly. If I remember correctly, this isnt the way home.
My fathers hands tightened on the steering wheel. He forced a laugh. Our Ashleys memory is as sharp as ever.
He drove in a long, circuitous route, finally ending up at our house. I didnt understand what he was doing until I stepped through the front door.
The large family portrait that had hung in the entryway was gone. In its place was a photo of themmy familywith Sienna.
I stared at the picture, then without a word, I marched upstairs and threw open the door to my old bedroom.
Just as I suspected.
Sienna had taken over, making my room her own. My chest heaved with a mixture of anger and disbelief as I took in the completely redecorated space. And there, sitting on the bed, was Sienna, reading a bedtime story to my son.
A bitter laugh escaped my lips.
For five years, I had thrown myself into every mission the System gave me, all for this. All to be reunited with my family.
And now, there was no place for me here.
You were planning to take me somewhere else, werent you? I asked, my eyes fixed on the man I had once adored more than anyone.
My father shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. Ill get your room ready for you, Ash. This will always be your home.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Siennas eyes filled with tears again. She stood up without a word and began gathering her things.
But my son stopped her.
When no one was looking, he launched himself at me, shoving me to the ground. He grabbed whatever was within reach and started throwing it at me, screaming.
You came back and now youre bullying my mommy! Youre a bad woman!
Get out!
Get out of my house!
I stared at the snarling, furious child before me, completely frozen.
2.
Finns outburst shocked everyone. Ethan grabbed his arm, his brow furrowed in anger. Finn! What do you think youre doing?
Tears streamed down my sons face as he continued to curse at me. The commotion woke Lily, who began to wail. Sienna scooped her up, her own tears flowing freely.
Stop it, both of you! Its all my fault. Ill just go! She made a move to leave.
But my mother spoke up, her voice sharp. Everyone, be quiet!
Sienna, youre not going anywhere. You can keep this room.
My breath caught in my throat. I looked at my mother, who was frowning at me. Ashley, Ill have someone clear out the entire third floor for you tomorrow. For tonight, you can sleep in the guest room.
Her words echoed something I had asked her as a child.
Mommy, this is the master bedroom, isnt it? Why arent you and Daddy sleeping here? Why is it for me?
She had hugged me then, her smile sweet. Because this room holds all our best wishes for you, my darling. We want our Ashley to be happy forever.
The memory was a sharp, physical pain. The tears Id been holding back finally fell. I turned my head, wiping them away, and walked out of the room without another word. My mother started to say something, but then stopped.
Back in the guest room, I collapsed onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow and letting the sobs rack my body.
Suddenly, a warm embrace enveloped me. Ethan. He placed a soft kiss on my head, stroking my hair.
What are we going to do if your eyes are all swollen tomorrow, honey? he sighed.
I looked up at him through blurry, tear-filled eyes. He offered a small, sad smile.
I dont know how long I cried, but eventually, his shirt was soaked through. I pulled back, embarrassed, and rubbed my eyes. You should go take a shower.
He held me tight for another moment before picking up his phone and heading into the bathroom. I expected him to be quickhe usually just rinsed off in under ten minutes. But this time, the sound of the water was a constant drone that lulled me into a restless sleep.
I woke up to the sound of Ethan closing the door. I blinked, my eyes drawn to his phone on the nightstand. The screen lit up for a moment.
Siennas name flashed across the screen.
Waiting for you.
My heart skipped a beat. I reached for the phone, my fingers fumbling to unlock it. But when I entered the passcode, it was wrong. Ethans passcode had always been my birthday.
I tried again. Not my birthday. Not his. Not the kids.
Then I remembered the birthday Id seen listed in Siennas contact information. I typed it in.
The phone unlocked.
The blood in my veins turned to ice.
I opened their chat history. For the past hour, while he was in the bathroom, Ethan had been on a video call with Sienna.
The phone slipped from my grasp. I bit my lip, willing the tears not to fall.
After a long moment, I got up and walked to Siennas room. The door was slightly ajar.
Inside, Sienna was draped over Ethans arm, her smile coy as she leaned in and kissed him.
And Ethan he wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her back, with even more passion.
3.
I stood there, a silent observer to my own personal torture, until my legs gave out and I sank to the floor. A small noise from the kitchen drew my attention.
My seven-year-old daughter, Lily, was standing on a stool, clumsily stirring something in a pot. Worried she would get hurt, I went to her.
She was muttering to herself. Mommy doesnt like cilantro, or scallions
She lifted the pot from the stove with the careful concentration of a much older child, and my heart softened.
But when she turned and saw me, her expression soured. What are you doing here, you bad woman!
It hit me then. The mommy she was talking about was Sienna.
My lips trembled. Lily, Im your mother. How could you
Youre not my mother! she shouted, pushing past me with the pot of hot soup and heading towards Siennas room. The shove sent me stumbling backwards, my spine cracking against the corner of the counter. The pain was sharp, radiating through my body.
I followed her back to the room. Lily was carefully blowing on a spoonful of soup before offering it to Sienna. Sienna praised her with a smile, and Ethan pulled her into his lap, teasing. Our Lily knows how to take care of her mommy even better than her big brother.
I watched the happy, domestic scene from the doorway, a bitter ache in my chest. They were a perfect family. And I was the intruder.
I turned and walked away.
The next morning, Ethan woke me with his customary good-morning kiss. I turned my head, avoiding it. He froze for a moment, then took my hand and led me to the dining table.
But there was no place set for me.
Sienna sat in my usual chair, a smug smile on her face. Ethan looked flustered. He gently pushed me into his own seat.
Um the housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, began nervously. I didnt prepare a meal for Ms. Ashley
Everyone stared. My mother looked confused. Didnt Sienna tell you?
Sienna let out a little gasp. Oh, Im so sorry! I went to bed so late last night, and I overslept. I completely forgot to tell Mrs. Gable
Here, you can have my breakfast
My mother-in-law pressed her hand down. You sit right there.
My father agreed. You need to eat. Youre already too thin.
I was invisible. I watched them, a perfect, harmonious family, and my hands, hidden at my sides, curled into tight fists. My mother sighed and told the housekeeper to make another breakfast, then took my hand and started talking about a welcome-home party.
Now that youre finally back, we want to throw a party for you. Ethan can take you to try on some dresses later.
I pulled my hand away, numbly nodding. I looked at my mothers face, really looked at it, and a question began to form in my mind.
Do I even want to stay here anymore?
4.
At the party, my father was busy introducing Sienna to all of his business partners and old friends. I started to walk over, but my mother stopped me.
Your father is introducing Sienna as his successor, she hissed, giving me a sharp look. Dont go over there. Well give you shares in the company. You can live off the dividends.
I was stunned. But you always said that I would
That was before. My mother gripped my hand tightly, as if afraid I would make a scene. Just be good, Ashley.
She led me to a corner, and I followed in a daze. My attention was drawn to a figure across the room.
It was Ethan.
The same Ethan who had promised me he would never drink again was now downing glass after glass of champagne, shielding Sienna from having to drink.
He had a sensitive stomach. I remembered the time he had ended up in the hospital with severe cramps, and I had cried myself sick with worry. He had promised me then. He had even let his friends tease him for being whipped.
Now, I watched him drain one glass after another. It wasnt long before he was clutching his stomach, his face pale.
Forgetting everything else, I rushed to his side and grabbed his arm. Have you forgotten what you promised me?
He looked at my worried face, a flicker of guilt and gratitude in his eyes. Im sorry, Ashley, I
Dont talk. I took a deep breath and, without a word to anyone else, helped him out of the ballroom.
By the time we got to the hospital, he had passed out.
The doctor put him on an IV. I was about to go pay the bill when Ethan grabbed my wrist.
Dont go
I couldnt help but let out a bitter laugh. I leaned down to soothe him, but then I heard him whisper Siennas name.
Dont go, Sienna.
It was like being struck by lightning. I froze, my heart squeezed in a vise.
I pried his fingers from my wrist, paid the bill, and drove straight home.
Sienna is pregnant now. We cant let her get an abortion!
I had my hand on the doorknob, but my mother-in-laws voice from inside stopped me.
Maybe Ethan should divorce Ashley and marry Sienna. She was looking to my parents for support.
My mother sighed. Its true. If Ashley gets divorced, shell still have us. But Sienna is all alone. It makes sense for her to marry Ethan.
I couldnt believe what I was hearing. In just a few words, they had decided my fate.
I stood there, stunned, when a soft laugh came from behind me.
So what if youre awake, Ashley?
I turned to see Sienna looking at me, her eyes full of triumph.
In the end, I still replaced you.
I forced myself to stand tall. A replacement is always just a replacement. How long do you think this stolen happiness will last?
My words seemed to strike a nerve. Her expression hardened. Well see whose happiness it is in the end!
With that, she grabbed my hand and gave a violent shove.
A loud scream echoed through the hall as she tumbled down the stairs.
Blood began to pool between her legs.
The conversation inside stopped. The door flew open, and the three of them saw the horrific scene.
A sharp smack as my fathers hand connected with my face. My mother-in-law shoved me, and I fell to the floor.
My father pointed a trembling finger at me. What the hell are you doing?
I opened my mouth to explain, but they didnt give me a chance.
My mothers only words were, If anything happens to Sienna, you dont have to come back to this family ever again!
Tears blurred my vision. I watched my father scoop Sienna into his arms and rush to the car. My mother and mother-in-law followed without a single glance in my direction.
Something inside me snapped.
I dont know how long I sat there as the wind and rain whipped around me.
I laughed, a broken, hollow sound.
System, I dont want to stay here anymore.
I want to go back to the mission world.

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