3
They arrived at the new house a few days
later. Lily’s room was a princess fantasy.
Mine was a dark, windowless closet with a
cot. Mom glanced inside, her face darkening.
“That ungrateful girl! I even set up a room for
her, and she still hasn’t come home! Still
sulking!”
Dad took Mom’s hand. “I told you she was
cold–hearted. Doesn’t even care enough to
come find her parents. Good riddance! We’ll
be better off without her.
وو
“Cold–hearted.” The word sent a chill down
my spectral spine. I’d heard it my whole life.. Lily and I were twins, but I’d taken more
nutriente in the womb
طط
Jeeving Lily weak and
my spectral spine. I’d heard it my whole life. Lily and I were twins, but I’d taken more
nutrients in the womb, leaving Lily weak and
premature. Every time Lily got sick, they
called me cold–hearted, a parasite.
Birthdays were always Lily’s first choice. Except once. They’d bought us matching dresses and music boxes. Lily had dozens of dresses. I had hand–me–downs. So, for once, I grabbed the dress first.
Lily burst into tears. Mom rushed to comfort her, then slapped me hard across the face. “Anna! You’re the older sister! You should
give it to her! It’s what you owe her!”
“But I want the dress! Lily has…
99
Before I could explain, Lily sobbed, “Mommy,
it’s…it’s my fault. I wanted the dress so
much. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
Dad joined the Lily–comforting chorus. Then
he turned to me, shaking his head. “You’re
cold–hearted, Anna. We’ve told you so many
times to be nice to your sister! Why won’t you listen? You’re a disappointment.‘
99
He dragged me to the balcony and locked the
door. My pounding and cries were ignored.
They sang happy birthday to Lily, ate cake,
and went out for dinner. I cried myself to
sleep on the balcony. They’d forgotten me.
The balcony became my prison. That’s when I
realized they didn’t love me. They loved Lily.
Everything was Lily’s. I couldn’t compete,
couldn’t defend myself. And now, here I was,
<
realized they didn’t love me. They loved Lily. Everything was Lily’s. I couldn’t compete,
couldn’t defend myself. And now, here I was,
still lying cold and forgotten beneath the
rubble.
