The Lewis family lived comfortably, nestled snugly in the middle-class suburbs. Elton, the patriarch, had worked tirelessly to provide a life of opportunity for his daughters.
When his eldest, Victoria, got accepted into a prestigious private high school, he didnât hesitate to send her off to mingle with the cream of the crop. Elton knew the connections sheâd make there could pave the way for her future.
But Mara, his younger daughter, just couldnât grasp his intentions. She felt like he was always cracking the whip behind her, as if he expected her to grind away like a donkey in a mill.
Was it fair to expect her to measure up to Victoriaâs shining example? The disparity in their academic achievements was one thing, but why did she also have to fall short in looks compared to her gorgeous sister?
Maraâs heart would sink every time +
returned home, flicking through a stack of love notes as if they were just another batch of junk mail. No boy had ever penned such affections for Mara.
Worse yet, Victoria seemed unmoved by the romantic gestures. She knew her priorities and wouldnât dream of dating at such a in her life. So when Victoria calliunctu caught Mara eyeing the love notes, she took it upon herself to advise her younger sister against the distractions of premature romance.
Mara felt that advice like a slap in face âWhatâs so great about you? Just because you get a few love notes, you have to show off?â
Victoria was puzzled, âWhat are you talking about? They mean nothing to me!â
âMean nothing? Then why flaunt them in front of me? Iâm sick of your hypocrisy. I wish I werenât your sister. Itâs so unfair,â Mara lashed out.
Victoria was stunned. She had never realized Mara harbored such deep resentment.
âWhy? Weâre sisters! Why do you hate me? Is it because Dad scolded you that one time? But you know heâs tough on the outside and soft on the inside. Donât you remember the times he secretly bought you a birthday cake?â
But Mara was unrelenting, her pain and jealousy spilling over. âA slap followed by a sweet treat doesnât make it all better. I hate being constantly compared to you. Iâm a person too, not just your shadow.â
Maraâs harsh words cut deep, and as she stormed out of the house, proclaiming sheâd rather stay at a boarding school, Victoria was left to grapple with the rift between them. A rift that Elton had failed to bridge, too.