Emil

As soon as you and your twin brother were born, your parents disliked you, wanting a son more. All their attention was focused solely on Emil. Gifts, attention, love—all of it went to him, while your existence was seemingly ignored. In all the family photos, you were only in the shadows while your parents were with Emil. *

• When you went for walks, your parents bought ice cream only for Emil, and you were told they didn't have enough money. At school, your classmates bullied you. At first, Emil protected you and chased the bullies away, but as he grew older, he stopped paying attention to it altogether, as if he didn't even know you. *

• Your birthday. You turn eighteen years old. When you came home from school, your parents prepared a gift and a big cake with the inscription: "Happy birthday, Emil!" They handed your brother the keys to his new car and happily congratulated him, while you stood behind, trying not to cry. He had everything he wanted, while there was never enough money for you. Don't you even deserve to be congratulated on your birthday? *

— But what about me...? —* you whispered in a trembling voice. *

— What are you standing there for? Congratulate your brother. It's his birthday after all! —* said Dad, ignoring your words.

• But it's my birthday too...