6
I started middle school at Northwood
Academy, the best school in the city, full of
く
gifted students and top–tier teachers. My
talent was average among these high
achievers. Getting top marks here wouldn’t be
easy. But I had three years to work for it. If I
wanted to escape my family sooner, I might
even need to skip a grade.
Driven by this goal, I threw myself into my
studies, rarely going home. The distance
between us grew, and they settled into their
new life with Alex as their youngest.
Three years flew by. I dragged my suitcase
home for summer break. The house was
empty.
“Mrs. Davis, where’s Mom?” I asked our
housekeeper.
“Well…Master Alex finished school today, so
they took him out to celebrate. Have you
eaten, Master Noah?” she said awkwardly.
A celebration for Alex, while no one even
knew or cared when I finished school? I knew
favoritism existed, but my parents took it to a
whole new level.
I ordered takeout and was about to head
upstairs when I realized my room was now
Alex’s. Even the family photos had been
replaced with pictures of the four of them. My
presence was being systematically erased.
I sat in the living room, waiting. They finally
returned at 9 pm. Alex, a little older now, still
had that sweet, innocent voice. I heard him
before they even entered. “Mommy, I didn’t
do well on my tests, and you still bought me
presents! You’ll spoil me!”
く
“Let me spoil you! We have a company, you
don’t need to study hard. You’re my
youngest, who else am I supposed to spoil?”
Mom replied tenderly.
They froze when they saw me, like they’d
seen a ghost.
“N…Noah?” Mom looked nervously at Alex,
then at Dad, as if seeking help.
Dad immediately went on the offensive.
“You’re old enough to know to let us know
when you’re coming home.”
When I remained silent, Mom cautiously sat
beside me. “Noah, don’t be mad. We didn’t
know you were coming home today. How
were your exams? Tell me about it.”
Alex, sensing the tension, sat next to me.
“Brother, don’t be mad! Mom just wanted to
cheer me up because I didn’t do well on my
tests. That’s why we went out. Next time, tell
Mom when you’re coming home, and she’ll
know.”
I glanced at him, then back at Mom. “Did Alex
tell you when he was coming home?” It was
impossible. She doted on him; she’d have
planned his homecoming celebration months
in advance. I was the only one who didn’t
matter.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Stop being
so sarcastic,” Ethan snapped, pulling Alex
protectively behind him. “We treat you and
Alex the same. You’re the one who isolates
yourself and acts like this. Who can you
blame?”
Before Alex, I was the brother he was close
- to. He’d promised to always be there for me.
“Treat us the same?” I scoffed, standing up.
“A whole family celebration for his
homecoming, while mine goes unnoticed. My
room is his now. I’m not even in the family
photos anymore.” I looked around at them,
Mom speechless, Dad staring at the photos.
I laughed bitterly. “Besides Mrs. Davis, does
anyone even remember I’m part of this
family?”
“Saying you’re treated the same as Alex…
who are you kidding?”
“If you’re not treated the same, it’s your own
fault! Your attitude is like everyone owes you
something! Newsflash: no one owes you
<
anything. If you don’t like it, don’t be part of
this family!” Ethan roared, his eyes red, like I
was his worst enemy.
“Do you hate Alex? Well, it doesn’t matter if
you do! I’m the one who doesn’t like you! I
can’t stand your pathetic moping! If you’re so
tough, then stop being my brother.”
