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.

no idea how to function without you solving all my problems.”

“We were protecting you,” my father insisted.

“From what?” Bethany snapped. “Reality? Growing up?”

“Meanwhile, Emma learned how to actually survive because you gave her no choice.”

Bethany turned to me, tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m so, so sorry for being part of why you continue reading …