And then Glabe died as well, leaving the question open what should be done with the fourth Curious brother.



It had definitely come as a surprise for Glabe when she found herself pregnant late in life and gave birth to a healthy boy. With Lola and Chloe about to leave for college, little Gabriel was an unexpected surprise who would keep her company.



As for Gabriel’s father, not even the twins had a clue. He was called Curious, because Glabe had never changed her last name back for some reason she preferred not to mention. The same aura of secrecy hung over Gabriel’s father. Glabe would only say that he wasn’t in the picture anymore. Presumably, Gabriel looked like him, as there was almost no trace of Glabe’s looks to be seen.



Gabriel was born and grew up in Strangetown with his mother. After Glarn’s reunion with the twins, Glabe and Gabriel had been naturally accepted into the family circle and were present for every family celebration. The Curious children considered Gabriel as another sibling, even if he wasn’t related by blood. As Jenny put it, the family tree was already a mess, and besides, four brothers couldn’t be any worse than three.



Gallagher and Chloe had taken Gabriel in for a few weeks after Glabe’s death, then taken him to college, according to Glabe’s wishes. A family conference took place and when Pascal went to visit Gabriel, he had a few suggestions.

“We would be happy to have you live with us when you’re done with your studies. Lazlo has moved out, so there’s room.”

“Actually, I’ll have to decline. Mother left some instructions with her lawyer, and I think there might be a hint to who I am. I would like to find out more first, if that’s alright with you.”



And so it was that, after finishing college, Gabriel found himself in possession of a letter from his mother that direction him to an impressive-looking house in town.

“You might be surprised to find out that I have been the owner of this house for some time. After all, why would we have lived in a tiny house in Strangetown if this was an option?

“To tell you the truth, I didn’t want to go back. I had left this place behind when I went to attend La Fiesta Tech, and when I heard the news, I was glad that I had done so.”



“Starting with the beginning, I was raised in this house, having been adopted by the family residing here. I spent my childhood with them, but not really part of the family.

“My adoptive father occasionally did this - he adopted a nameless orphan and raised them, giving them a home until they were old enough to stand on their own.

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything about my biological parents. I have done extensive research on the subject, but nothing has ever come up.

“I’m sorry that I can’t tell you more.”



“Anyway, shortly after I left the house, my adoptive family died. There was a fire I think. There are very few details about the incident that were made public.

“The house changed owners a few times, but eventually I was able to buy it. I don’t know why I did it. Maybe I thought it was for your sake?

“Gabriel, I know that it has always bothered you how little you know about yourself and where you come from. I’m sorry to say that this is all I can give you. My short family story and this house.

“My parents and siblings are buried in the cemetery nearby. I doubt that you will find answers from their graves, but they’re the closest thing to a family you have.”



And so, Gabriel set off to visit the graves of the people his mother called family. They were easy enough to find. At a prominent place in the middle of the cemetery, Jon Smith Tricou and Jennicor Tricou lay buried.

Glabe’s letter had confirmed that Tricou was her legal last name, even if it wasn’t the name she had been born with. If he wanted, he could use it.

Gabriel Tricou. He had more rights to that name than to Gabriel Curious, but still.



Going through the names and graves, Gabriel wondered about the one subject his mother had never once mentioned in her letter. His father.

Why would she completely ignore this part of her history? Gabriel had questioned Lola and Chloe on the subject a thousand times, but all they knew was that Glabe must have met his father during a time when they were busy preparing themselves for college. Chloe remembered that Glabe had at first been reluctant to move to Strangetown, but suddenly changed her mind. Maybe the relationship that was keeping her here hadn’t worked out?



Before Gabriel knew it, night had fallen. He decided to say good-bye to his adoptive grandparents and return to the house for the time being.

“I wish I had known you, grandfather. I just want to know where I come from. I just want to have a family.”

He sighed and turned to leave.



“Well, son.”, a voice with a strange resonance said as Gabriel turned around to close the gate. “Perhaps we can help each other out here.”



So there's the surprise: Gabriel Curious. He actually showed up in the pictures for P.T.'s birthday and Lazlo's wedding, but with the sheer number of Curious brothers out there, he's easily overlooked.

I had two possible storylines planned for Gabriel. The second one involved the Cow, but she only showed up a few times during his first year and then stopped. So I went with the Tricou option. They're weird enough for Strangetown anyway.

Oh yes, since Gabriel turned out looking exactly like his father, that might be one of my added Strangetown secrets that's actually possible to guess. I suppose the other one is currently impossible.


Coming up next: The story of Nervous Subject