A LIFE APART
EPISODE 1
WRITTEN BY RUKEVWE MERRY
Clara’s eyes widened as the ultrasound technician revealed the unexpected news: “You’re having triplets, and they’re monozygotic.” The technician explained, “This means they developed from a single fertilized egg that split, making them genetically identical.”
Clara and her husband, Aaron, were struggling financially. Aaron worried, “How will we care for three babies? We barely afford one.” Clara tried to calm him, but his concerns grew.
During the pregnancy, the technician confirmed the triplets were monochorionic-diamniotic (MoDi), meaning they shared a placenta but had separate amniotic sacs.
Aaron complained, “We’re not ready. We can’t provide for them.” Clara reassured him, but he wasn’t convinced.
At 36 weeks, Clara underwent a cesarean section (C-section) and gave birth to three beautiful girls. The obstetrician announced their arrival:
“Baby A, 4 pounds 11 ounces; Baby B, 5 pounds 2 ounces; Baby C, 4 pounds 6 ounces.”
The doctor confirmed the triplets were identical, sharing the same DNA. Clara’s joy was short-lived. Caring for triplets overwhelmed her.
Six months in, Clara was exhausted, Aaron was distant, and the triplets suffered. Aaron convinced Clara to give two away to ensure their well-being.
With heavy hearts, they relinquished Babies B and C to an orphanage. The social worker said, “This is best for the children. You’re giving them a better life.”
Clara remembered the goodbye forever. She held each baby tight, whispering apologies and promises.
They kept Baby A, naming her Annabel. Clara poured love into Annabel, hoping she made the right decision.
One year passed since Clara and Aaron relinquished two of their triplets to the orphanage. They often thought about their decision, wondering if they had made a mistake.
Him
Meanwhile, Aaron’s career took a dramatic turn. He landed a lucrative business deal that catapulted him to millionaire status almost overnight.
Financial stability brought relief and guilt. Aaron and Clara couldn’t shake off thoughts of their biological daughters. They decided to reunite their family, determined to find and bring home their relinquished triplets.
Excitement and nervousness filled their hearts as they returned to the orphanage. But, to their dismay, they found the building vacant. A sign on the door read: “Relocated to a new facility.”
Clara’s voice trembled, “What do we do now, Aaron?” Aaron’s face set in determination, “We’ll find them, no matter what.”
Clara and Aaron’s search finally led them to the orphanage’s new site. Exhausted and hopeful, they arrived only to receive devastating news:
“I’m afraid the children were adopted by different families,” the social worker said, her expression sympathetic.
Clara’s face crumpled. “What about the adoption files?” Aaron asked.
The social worker shook her head. “Lost during relocation. We apologize.”
Clara’s sadness turned to despair. Aaron’s determination remained unwavering.
Undeterred, they ran TV ads, sharing every detail they remembered:
“Searching for two girls, identical triplets. Last seen at [orphanage]. If you have any information, please contact…”.
Years passed, with no response.
Ten years later…
Mirabel (Baby B)
Mirabel’s “adoptive” parents, the Smiths, treated her cruรซ:!y. They expl*ited her as a child laborer, forcing her to care for their biological children. Education was a luxury she couldn’t afford.
At 11, Mirabel’s life was bleak:
– No schooling
– Little food
– Endless chores
– Emotional abuse
Her “parents” saw her as a serv@nt, not a child.
Christabel (Baby C)
Christabel’s fate differed. Adopted by wealthy barrister, Mr. Edwards, she was whisked away to a life of luxury abroad.
– Private schools
– Extravagant gifts
– World travel
Christabel’s every need was met.
Annabel (Baby A)
Clara and Aaron’s kept daughter, Annabel, grew up with every privilege. But Clara’s guilt and Aaron’s determination to find their lost daughters never faded.
TBC
