Chapter 1

For the eighteenth time, Mom delivered a gift that was supposed to be mine straight to Hayden’s room.

She shot me a guilty look, but immediately turned it around to blame me.

"Why didn't you remind me? Well, since things turned out this way, let's just let Hayden have it."

I froze in place. Watching Hayden look so incredibly happy with my gift, I just nodded. I didn't care anymore.

Ever since Hayden was born, Mom always "accidentally" gave my things to him.

She promised to take me to the theme park, but ended up giving my ticket to Hayden.

I had a high fever in the middle of the night, but Mom rushed Hayden to the ER instead, frantically asking the doctors if he was going to catch whatever I had.

Even on my birthday, my cake was delivered straight to his room.

"Since things turned out this way, let Hayden go play."

"Since things turned out this way, we can't let Hayden get sick."

"Since things turned out this way, it's fine to let Hayden blow out the candles first."

Just like right now. Mom smiled as she carried my birthday cake over to Hayden. My lips twitched into a bitter smile.

Mom had completely forgotten. I had terminal stomach cancer. The doctor said this would likely be my last birthday.

So be it.