They Sang for Her and Saved Me Leftovers I Couldn’t Eat Chapter 02
The next morning, Mom called us to head out and shop for school supplies.
Her tone was unusually gentle. “Let’s forget about last night. I’ve thought it over, and we’ll make it up to you. We’ll buy whatever you like today.”
The last time she’d spoken like this was years ago, after my SSAT exams.
She bought Wallis a grand piano and a brand-new backpack. When it was my turn, she handed me a stack of scratch paper and a pencil.
“I’ve always known you love drawing and writing, honey. I picked these out just for you.”
I glanced at the art easel sitting nearby, priced at two hundred dollars. Wallis’s piano had cost thirty thousand.
After hesitating, I worked up the courage to speak. “Mom, I want that drawing easel…”
Wallis cut me off instantly. “Mom, I want that tablet!”
Mom smiled and stroked her hair. “Perfect timing. Sabrina scored so well this year, so you get to share in her good fortune!”
Dad and Cillian took Wallis’s hands, showering her with praise, promising to fulfill every wish she had. Yet I was the one who’d earned the top test scores.
I trailed behind them, watching the three of them walk farther ahead, their backs shrinking into the distance.
They were the real family. I was always the outsider.
Inside the mall, Mom dragged Wallis between suitcases, comparing which model was lighter and prettier.
I spotted a pink rolling suitcase marked $320.
Mom’s expression darkened the second she saw it. “Why do you need something so expensive? You aren’t competing and traveling to training camps like Wallis. A sturdier basic model will work fine.”
Right then, Wallis pointed at the pink suitcase I’d picked out. “Mom, this style is gorgeous. I want one too!”
Mom’s face lit up. “Alright, if Wallis loves it, we’ll get it for you.”
Cillian grinned. “Our Wallis has great taste. Pink’s adorable, perfect for your age.”
I stood there and watched her claim the suitcase I’d wanted.
A sales associate walked over, pulling forward a small gray carry-on. “This pink suitcase is part of a promotion—buy one, get this gray case free.”
Dad glanced over and turned toward me. “Perfect. Since Wallis doesn’t need it, you can take the freebie.”
Wallis blinked at me, her tone sugary sweet. “Sabrina, this suitcase would suit you perfectly.”
The gray carry-on was coated in a thin layer of dust, leftover stock no one wanted. Just like me, perpetually dull and overlooked.
I didn’t accept it without complaint like I always did.
I lifted my chin and met their gazes directly. “Dad, you’re mistaken. Gray has never been my color. I’ve always loved pink. You can keep the free carry-on for Wallis.”
The air went still for a heartbeat.
Wallis immediately put on a hurt expression. “It’s okay. If Sabrina doesn’t want the gray bag, we can just give her the big pink suitcase. I’m the younger sister; I can settle for the small one.”
Mom snapped right away. “That won’t happen. You’re far too generous, always letting your sister walk all over you. The big pink suitcase is yours, no arguments.”
Dad let out a bitter laugh. “It’s a free gift. You’re turning up your nose up at it? Fine. If you don’t want it, both suitcases go to Wallis.”
A mischievous smirk tugged at Cillian’s lips. “You refuse their kindness and demand your sister hand her things over? Aren’t you embarrassed?”
A hollow laugh escaped me, tears pooling in my eyes.
Since childhood, I’d always been the one to give way to Wallis.
She got first pick of every dress, every pair of shoes, every gadget. Just like my parents’ affection—all reserved for Wallis and Cillian. Whatever was left over was tossed to me as an afterthought.
I simply nodded. “Understood. I don’t want the suitcase. I don’t want your kindness either.”
I turned and walked away.
Behind me, Dad roared. “Ungrateful girl! Where do you think you’re going?”
Mom seethed. “Leave her be. Let her throw her tantrum. We’ll see how far she gets.”
I ignored them and headed to another store.
With the money I’d saved from part-time work, I bought my very first suitcase. Pale blue, speckled with tiny white dots.
It looked like endless blue sky scattered with drifting clouds. Just like the future I’d spent so long hoping for.