During a family gathering, my grandmother inquired, «Is the $1,500 I send you each month sufficient?» I responded..

I lost 20 pounds my first semester. Sarah had to loan me money for food. There were days I was so dizzy from hunger I couldn’t focus in class.

Well, maybe you should have called us if things were so bad, Dad said. I did call, I begged for help. And Mom told me to get a second job because I was lazy.

A tense silence filled the room. Mom looked away, unable to deny it. Henry is your brother, she finally said quietly, he needs us.

And I don’t, my voice cracked. I’ve always been an afterthought to you two. Henry got a car, I got a bike.

Henry got praise for minimal effort, I got ignored despite working my ass off. Henry got all your attention, all your money, all your love. That’s not true, Dad protested weakly.

Isn’t it? Be honest for once. I wiped away angry tears, you chose him over me, over and over again. You let me struggle and suffer while pouring everything into him.

And for what? Has he gotten better? Has all that money fixed him? Their silence was answer enough. He’s our son, Mom whispered. And I’m your daughter, I shouted, or did you forget that? Mom started crying, covering her face with her hands.

Dad patted her shoulder awkwardly. Amanda, try to understand, he said. Henry’s problems are complicated.

We’re his parents. We can’t just abandon him. I took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

I understand Henry needs help. But you chose to help him by hurting me. That was your decision.

Mom looked up, mascara streaking her cheeks. What are we supposed to do now? Henry’s in trouble again. He owes money to some very dangerous people.

We need Grandma’s help. That’s not my problem, I replied, surprising myself with how much I meant it. How can you be so cold, Mom asked, he’s your brother.

A brother I barely know anymore. A brother you prioritized over me my entire life. I walked to the door and opened it.

I’m not talking to Grandma about the will. You made your choice, now live with it. You’re being selfish, Mom said, standing up.

Something inside me broke at those words, the same ones she’d used when I’d asked about Grandma’s promised money. Get out, I shouted, not caring who in the dorm might hear. I don’t want to see either of you again.

You made your choice years ago. You picked your favorite child. Now you can deal with the consequences.

They left, Mom crying dramatically, Dad looking defeated. As the door closed behind them, I collapsed onto my bed, shaking. Sarah returned an hour later, took one look at my face, and sat beside me, that bad, huh? Worse, I told her everything…