Too Late to Love Me

My soul curled up in the corner of the living room as I silently watched.

My dad, who usually went to bed early, stayed up in high spirits. He helped Winnie unwrap her birthday presents.

Meanwhile, my mom sat on the sofa and browsed online shopping sites, mumbling about buying Winnie a new wardrobe so she would shine at summer camp.

"Mom, my closet is full as it is," teased Winnie, her voice soft and sweet.

My mom smiled and said matter-of-factly, "We should clear out your sister's room. Winona never cares about these things. She's always busy with work and hardly ever home. She doesn't have many clothes anyway, so she doesn't need the space."

"But…" She blinked and pretended to hesitate. "Wouldn't that upset her?"

My mom paused and frowned. She replied, "Don't overthink it. Your sister is sensible, so she won't hold it against you."

My dad said nothing and kept his head down. He peeled pistachios for Winnie. Xavier sat nearby and casually passed the pistachio nuts to Winnie.

I finally realized that even a soul could shed tears.

Their tenderness had never been meant for me.

Winnie lowered her head and said softly, "I sent her several text messages, but she never replied. Is she still angry? I feel empty if she doesn't come home…"

Everyone in the living room paused when she said that.

My dad frowned and said sternly, "Ignore her. She loves acting high and mighty, so she can be the center of attention. When will she ever grow up?"

My mom looked impatient for a moment. She sighed and added, "It's only the Global Medical Doctorate Award. It's held every two years, but she acts like it's the most important thing in the world.

"Why can't she be more considerate to you? You only get a sixteenth birthday once, and she had to choose today to throw a tantrum."

Winnie lowered her head. There was a mischievous look on her face for a moment, but her smile looked innocent. She said, "Don't say that, Mom… Winona will be hurt to hear that. She wanted that award for so long…"

Her voice softened on purpose, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

I felt a chill down my spine. Winnie had always known how to play the innocent role. She got everything she wanted with ease. She said that I plagiarized, that I lied, that I was immature… and Dad had always believed her without question.

I kept telling myself that someday, someone would prioritize me, even if it was only once.

The joke was on me, because even Ian had not been an exception. His gaze also lingered on Winnie after knowing her for two years.

The butler brought in a tray of desserts, and they were all her favorites. Everyone gathered around her and asked about her school life.

I could only watch from the corner.

I still did not appear at one o'clock in the morning.

Finally, my mom seemed to remember. She picked out a few strawberry tarts that Winnie did not like and placed them on a plate. She handed it to Xavier.

Her tone was casual as she said, "Save this for Winona, Xavier. This way, when she calms down and comes home, she won't say that we only care about your sister. See? We think of her, too."

I stared at the plate of strawberry tarts indifferently.

Xavier reached out to take it, but suddenly, Winnie let out a soft cry.

"Ouch, Mom!"

The warm atmosphere shattered in an instant.