2
Mom’s face hardened. “She’s the older sister.
She should share. You did nothing wrong, Lily. Don’t cry, sweetheart. You’ll ruin your pretty
face.”
Yes. Because I was the older sister, I had to
give in. If I’d had a choice, I’d never have
been her sister. The older sister never got any
love. Only Lily did.
Lily’s sobs continued, more dramatic now.
“Mommy, I must have upset her. I’ll be better,
I promise.”
Mom softened, her eyes full of love. “You’re
the best, Lily. Mommy loves you so much.”
L
A few sweet words and Lily was forgiven.
Everything I ever did was wrong. Not a single word of concern for me. My heart was a frozen lump in my chest.
As the evacuation continued, they forgot they
had another daughter. Their entire world
revolved around Lily. Mom held her close. “Lily, we’re going to a new house. You can
have the biggest bedroom, decorated pink,
with all your favorite dolls.”
Lily snuggled closer. “Mommy, Anna should
have the big room. I’ll take the small one.
She’ll get mad if I don’t.”
Dad stroked her hair. “Our Lily is so
thoughtful. If only your sister were half as
considerate.”
considerate.”
Mom sighed. “Yes, our Lily is too sweet. That’s why Anna bullies her.”
In the cramped car, they laughed and chatted, a perfect little family. I sat on the roof, a silent, invisible observer, my heart heavy. I wasn’t even as important as Lily’s dog, Buster, who they’d searched for frantically and brought along. They never looked for me. I was a ghost, not their daughter.
I wanted to leave them, but my soul was tethered to Mom. I was forced to watch their adoration of Lily, a constant reminder of their indifference to me. Each moment was a fresh
stab of pain.
