**Chapter 6: The Social Worker**

The doorbell rang, and Mark Wyzek got up to answer it. Tony, still reeling from the memories that had surfaced earlier, didn't notice the visitor. He was too busy trying to make sense of his past, his powers, and the mysterious portal. Mark returned with a friendly-looking woman in her mid-40s, who introduced herself as Ms. Collins, a social worker from the agency that had handled Tony's adoption. "Hello, Tony," Ms. Collins said with a warm smile. "I've been working with your biological family for a while now. I understand you've been asking questions about your past?" Tony's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure of what to expect. Mark and Sarah exchanged a concerned glance, but Ms. Collins seemed genuinely interested in helping. "Yes, I've been finding out some things," Tony replied, his voice cautious. Ms. Collins nodded. "I see. Well, I think it's time we had a chat. May I sit down?" Sarah Wyzek offered Ms. Collins a seat, and the social worker began to explain her presence. "As you know, Tony, you were adopted by the Wyzek family when you were just a child. Your biological family... well, they were a bit of a complicated case." Tony's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean?" Ms. Collins hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Your biological family was very involved in... let's call it 'paranormal research.' They were ghost hunters, Tony. They built a portal into the Ghost Realm, and... well, it's complicated." Tony's eyes widened as the pieces began to fall into place. "The portal? The one I saw in my memories?" Ms. Collins nodded. "Yes, that's the one. Your biological family was very passionate about their work, but it also made them... unstable. They were deemed unfit to care for you due to the risks associated with their research. The authorities had to step in and remove you from their custody." Tony felt a mix of emotions: anger, sadness, and confusion. He had always known he was adopted, but he had never imagined that his biological family was involved in something so... extraordinary. "Why didn't they tell me?" Tony asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Ms. Collins sighed. "They were trying to protect you, Tony. They knew their work was... unconventional, and they didn't want to put you in harm's way. But, in hindsight, they probably should have been more open with you." The room fell silent, as if everyone was processing the revelation. Tony's mind was racing with questions, but he wasn't sure where to start. "Ms. Collins?" he said finally. "Do you know what happened to my biological family? Are they... okay?" Ms. Collins's expression turned somber. "I'm afraid I don't have any updates on their current status, Tony. They... disappeared, for lack of a better term. Some people in the paranormal community believe they may have gotten in over their heads, that they may have made a deal with forces they couldn't control." Tony's eyes locked onto Ms. Collins, his heart pounding in his chest. He had so many questions, but he knew that this was just the beginning of his journey. He was determined to uncover the truth about his past, his powers, and the mysterious portal that had changed his life forever.