You’d think that would be a big deal, right? A milestone birthday, maybe a small dinner, a cake, at least a happy birthday text from my parents.
But nope. My family had more important plans.
I wish I could say I was shocked, but honestly, this is just how it’s always been. My parents have made it clear since childhood that I’m second place in this family.
My younger sister Emma is the golden child. If she wants something, she gets it. If she needs a ition, she gets it. And if I want anything that even slightly inconveniences them, too bad.
Still, I held on to this tiny sliver of hope that this year would be different.
I don’t live at home anymore, so I don’t deal with their favoritism as often. But I thought, surely on my 21st birthday, they’d want to celebrate both their kids, right?
I texted the family group chat that morning.
“Hey, what time are we meeting for dinner?”
No response.
Hours passed. I went about my day expecting someone to text back.
By 300 p.m., I started getting this sinking feeling.
I finally gave in and called my mom. She picked up on the second ring, her voice casual.
“Hey, Alex, what’s up?”
I hesitated.
“Uh, we’re still doing dinner, right?”
Silence.
Then aigh.
“Oh, honey,” she said way too sweetly. “I should have told you earlier. We’re going out tonight with Emma.”
My stomach dropped.
“You’re what?”
She sounded almost bored.
“Emma has some exciting news, so we’re taking her out to celebrate.”
I blinked.
“It’s my birthday.”
She laughed like I was a little kid whining about losing a toy.
“Oh, Alex, don’t be so dramatic. We’ll do something for you next weekend, okay?”
In the background, I heard Emma’s voice.
“Is that Alex? Tell him we’ll save him some leftovers.”
More laughter.
I felt my face heat up.
This wasn’t just neglect. This was deliberate.
I could have argued. I could have yelled.
But what was the point?
They knew what they were doing. They just didn’t care.
So I swallowed the lump in my throat and said, “Yeah, sure. Have fun.”
And then I hung up.
I sat there for a moment staring at my phone. My hands were shaking.