Brian reached into the dark dusty space behind the broken plaster wall frame.
His hands trembled as he brushed away dusty insulation and broken wood pieces.
Near the small girl's feet lay a small framed black-and-white photograph face down.
Brian reached out and picked up the picture with shaking dirty hands.
He wiped the layer of gray drywall dust off the glass surface carefully.
The photo showed two identical twin baby girls sitting together on a blanket.
Both babies held identical plush teddy bears with red ribbons around their necks.
Brian stared at the photo as a horrific truth pierced through his heart.
Five years ago, Sarah had given birth at a private clinic in another state.
She had told Brian that one of their twin daughters had passed away.
Brian had grieved for months for the little baby girl he never held.
He looked from the photograph to the dirty child sitting in the dark cavity.
Her face had the exact same delicate features as his beloved daughter Lily.
She had the same nose, the same chin, and the same blue eyes.
Brian: Maya? Is your name Maya?
The little girl in the wall gave a small, slow nod of her head.
Maya: Mommy said I had to stay in the quiet room always.
Brian turned around slowly to face his wife with pure fury in his eyes.
His chest heaved as anger bubbled up like boiling water inside his veins.
Brian: You told me she died at birth five long years ago!
Sarah: Brian, please, I can explain everything if you just calm down!
Brian: Calm down? You kept my daughter locked inside a wall cavity!
Sarah burst into loud hysterical tears and backed up against the front door.
Sarah: I didn't want to! The trust fund money depended on having one heir!
Brian: What are you talking about? What trust fund money?
Sarah: My grandfather's estate will gave everything to one single surviving child!
Brian felt sick to his stomach at the sheer greed and cruelty revealed.
Sarah: If he knew there were twins, the inheritance split into four parts!
Brian: You hid our biological daughter in a wall for money?
Sarah reached out her hands to touch Brian's arm in desperate pleading.
Sarah: I fed her every day! I gave her toys and clothes!
Brian: You kept her in darkness while Lily slept in a luxury bedroom!
Brian slammed his hand against the intact drywall nearby in immense rage.
The sharp bang echoed through the large quiet suburban home like thunder.
Sarah shrank back in fear as Brian pointed his shaking finger at her.
Brian: You are a monster, Sarah. You stole five years of her life!
Lily came standing at the corner of the hallway, clutching her small knees.
Lily: Daddy, is Maya coming out to play with me now?
Brian: Yes, sweetie. Maya is coming out right now and never going back.