The Wrong Version

My whole family took my older sister and me to school to register.

At a highway rest stop, I got carsick and threw up in the restroom until I could barely stand.

When I came back out, the parking spot where our car had been was already empty.

I messaged the family group chat and asked where they were.

Mom: [You didn't get in the car? We thought you had.]

Dad: [You can't turn around on the highway. Find your own way to school.]

But how was I supposed to find a car on the highway?

I begged Dad to come back for me.

But the reply I got was from my brother, cold and indifferent.

[Jiaojiao is a volunteer helping new students. She can't be late today.]

[You're her younger sister. You should give way to her.]

[Be a good girl. We'll wait for you at school.]

Ever since I could remember, all the good things had belonged to my older sister.

And all they ever taught me was to give up my pear to Kong Rong.

Later, I stopped competing and asking for things, thinking they might finally pay a little attention to me.

But in the end, I became invisible.

If that's how it is, I don't want this family anymore.