My parents forbade me from celebrating my 18th birthday because my sister didn’t feel special enough. So I moved out that night. A year later, their golden girl saw how successful I’d become, and her jealous meltdown shattered the family.

my cheeks heat up.

“He told us a bit about your situation with your family,” she added. “I hope you don’t mind.”

I stiffened slightly.

“I just want you to know that you’re always welcome here,” she said quickly. “Holidays, random weekends, whenever. Our door is open.”

She put a warm hand on my shoulder.

“Every young person deserves to have adults in their continue reading …