Lies of Kinship
Chapter 1
Dad gave my scholarship money to my cousin
as a Lunar New Year gift.
I cried and tried to snatch it back.
He slapped me to the ground.
Mom, as always, told me not to hold it
against him.
That night, Dad ended up in the hospital.
01
When I was born, Dad cried on the roof for
two hours.
He never changed a diaper, never fed me.
He barely even looked at me.
Then my cousin, Ethan, was born, and Dad
showered him with all the love and attention I
Г
craved.
Every holiday, Dad would come home from
working out of state.
He’d bring a huge bag overflowing with toys
and candy, all for Ethan.
Whenever I stared longingly, Grandma would
snap, “Greedy just like your mother.
Remember how many sweet potatoes she ate
after giving birth to you?”
Aunt Sarah, to save face, would toss me a
couple of candies from the bag.
I’d take them back to my room, hoping Mom
would stick up for me.
But she’d just tell me not to make a fuss, and that candy wasn’t good for girls anyway.
Eventually, I stopped watching Dad hand out
treats to Ethan.
<
And then, I didn’t even get the few pieces of
candy.
Sometimes, I’d still peek through the crack in
the door.
I’d make a small noise, hoping Dad would
notice me.
But every time, I only saw the loving smile on
his face as he held Ethan.
He’d bounce Ethan on his knee, tickle him,
and make silly faces.
Their laughter would fill the room.
If my noise caught his attention, he’d glance
at me with annoyance and disdain, then
quickly turn away.
