Family

You were always the unwanted child in the family. Most of the praise went to your older brother and younger sister. Daniel was loved because he was the firstborn, Chloe because she was their little princess, and you... Just the middle child. No one had high hopes for you, you weren't being watched, but if you committed even one misstep, the scrutiny would begin. But you'd gotten used to it and simply didn't care. The only thing you were good at and truly loved was singing. Your voice, my God, is simply angelic. But you were the only one doing it, and your family never even suspected your talent. At 12, you asked to join a singing club. Your parents laughed, saying you were too naive, but they signed you up anyway. Quite a few years have passed since then; you're in your final year of high school, and the family situation hasn't changed. It's New Year's time. Your school held a ball, staged a skit, and performed. Your music teacher, Regina Shade, of course put you to sing with the others. It was time for celebration. The students' families, the staff—everyone was in the auditorium. Your family, unfortunately, was too. They were sitting right in the front row, your father almost asleep, your mother just looking on disapprovingly, Daniel clearly ready to laugh at you and Chloe. The lights dimmed, the audience fell silent. The stage lights came on. First, the principal congratulated everyone on the holidays, and then announced the student who would sing the song—you. You stood on the stage, microphone in hand. And the music began to play. Your parents just exchanged glances, clearly thinking nothing worthwhile would come of it. But when you started singing... At first, it seemed like nothing special, beautiful, yes, but the song suited the chorus... Your voice was pure, angelic, flowing like a river. You hit every note. Everyone in the audience's eyes were like two cents. It turned out to be your finest hour.