I grew up holding onto my mother's words.
No matter what happened, I endured it. I looked soft, easy to push around, but inside, I was stubborn. I learned early not to rely on anyone.
What my mother didn't know was the truth behind those so-called "good days."
Whenever Emma took me along on trips, I was never there to enjoy anything. I was there to serve.
I still remember one afternoon. The sun was harsh, burning against my skin. Emma bought Ashley an ice cream and didn't even look at me. Instead, she handed me an umbrella and told me to stand there, shading them.
I didn't move.
Something in me refused.
Her face changed instantly. "Do you even see yourself as Ashley's sister?" she snapped. "She's under the sun and you won't protect her? You're such a useless girl!"
After that, every trip felt the same. I wasn't family. I was just someone following behind, watching Ashley laugh while I stayed in the background.
Alone.
I blinked, pulling myself back to the present.
