The midterm results were out, and I had ranked first in my class. Coincidentally, the school had scheduled a parent-teacher conference. As soon as I walked through the door, I could hear Karina's teary voice.
"Mom, I'm really not smart enough... even Shiloh got first place, and it makes me feel so sad," she said between sniffles.
"Do you think I'm not smart, too? Do you not like me anymore?" she whimpered, desperately seeking reassurance.
Layne awkwardly patted her on the back. "I like Shiloh, but I don't care as much for that other girl," he said, trying to comfort her.
Dad chimed in, attempting to console her as well. "Karina, don't be too upset. Shiloh just got lucky this time. She's not usually consistent with her studies, so it was just a stroke of luck."
"Yes, don't worry about following her example," Mom added. "Karina, you're doing just fine as you are. No need to wear yourself out with too much studying."
"Your health is more important."
They prided themselves on being fair, yet here they were, dismissing my achievement to make Karina feel better. If they weren't my actual parents, I might have sarcastically complimented their brilliant parenting techniques.
Standing at the doorway, I smirked incredulously.
Karina wiped her tears and, barely holding back more sobs, asked, "Will you send me back to the orphanage if you don't like me? I'm so scared; I don't want to leave you."
Mom quickly wrapped her arms around her, reassuring her, "Of course not. Karina will always be part of our family."
"And remember, good grades aren't everything. If Karina decides she doesn't want to focus on studies, that's her choice."
"I'll take care of my sister in the future!" Layne chimed in with his innocent promise, making everyone chuckle.
Karina looked up, hopeful, turning to our parents. "So, will you come to the parent-teacher conference for me?"
"Of course, we'll both be there," Dad assured her.
Only then did Karina seem to notice me, softly saying, "Hi, sis."
The mood in the living room shifted, growing tense. I pretended not to hear her and continued into the room.
"The school is having a parent-teacher conference. Who's going to attend for me?" I asked as I walked in.
Dad erupted unexpectedly, his voice laced with anger. "You're getting more disrespectful by the day! Not even a simple 'hello' to your parents?"
I was baffled by his sudden anger. Mom tried to calm the situation, apologetically explaining, "Shiloh, your father and I will be at Karina's conference. As for yours..."
I cut her off, lifting my chin defiantly. "Does it really take two people to attend a single meeting?"
"Why can't you be more understanding? Karina isn't in the best of health and needs support," she said, sounding frustrated. "You always act so distant toward her, and now you’re making a fuss about this?"
Even though I knew how this would end—just like before—I couldn't help but hope for something different, only to find myself disappointed once more.
I turned away and walked to my room, blocking out the noise behind me. My heart felt more frozen than ever.
