My parents always made it clear: Melissa was the golden child, and I was the footnote. Every birthday, every family outing, every decision — filtered through her preferences. Even when it was my celebration, Mom asked Melissa what kind of cake she wanted. My own voice became background noise.
I studied hard, plotted my escape, and earned a full scholarship to a college far away. I cried in the bathroom when the acceptance came — not sadness, just relief. I was finally free.
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