What's the Point?

They didn't even bring me a slice of cake.

I sat home all alone, eating leftover lunch.

I didn't complain or throw a tantrum. I just sat in my room with a book in hand, preparing for the day I left this house.

…

Midterm exam results came out, and I got first place just as I had hoped.

The school was also holding a parent-teacher meeting.

As soon as I got home, I heard Edward's downcast voice.

"Mom, I'm so dumb. I can't even catch up to Nick. Do you still want me when I'm not good at studies? I'm just too stupid. I don't deserve to be your child."

"It's okay. Grades don't mean everything. Nick may have good grades, but who knows if he actually studied? He probably copied someone," Dad said to comfort him.

Mom agreed, "That's right. You're doing great, Ed. Don't push yourself too hard. Your body can't take that kind of strain."

They claimed to love me, but they didn't hesitate to tear me down in front of him just to make him feel better.

If they weren't my parents, I might've admired them for being so indulgent.

I stood at the doorway, the corner of my mouth curling in mockery.

Edward finally smiled through his tears. "Mom, Dad, you're the best. I don't have to worry about going back to the orphanage now."

Full of affection, Mom pulled him into her arms. "Of course not. You'll always be our child."

"I'm here to take care of you, too, so don't worry," Juliana added with a confident pat on her chest.

Edward smiled shyly, then looked at Mom and Dad expectantly. "Then, can you go to my parent-teacher meeting?"

"Of course. Both of us will go," Dad reassured him.

It was only then that Edward noticed me. "Nick."

The atmosphere in the living room suddenly turned cold.

Acting as if I hadn't heard their conversation, I walked straight in and asked, "There's a parent-teacher meeting. Who's going to mine?"

Mom hesitated, then spoke with an apologetic tone. "Nick, we're going to Ed's meeting. As for yours—"

"Does he need two parents for the meeting?" I cut her off bluntly, looking up at her.

"Why are you being so unreasonable? You know Ed's health condition. The doctor said he needs extra care. As his older brother, you should be more understanding. Why are you even fighting over this?"

Even though I already knew it would turn out just like my previous life, I still held onto some hope.

I ended up making a fool of myself again.

I turned and went back to my room, ignoring the scolding that followed.

My heart became colder and colder.

…

My 15th birthday came right on time.

When I got home from school, the house was completely empty, quiet, and cold.

Just as I pulled out my phone in my room, a call from Mom came through. It was noisy on her end when I picked up.

"Nick, Dad and I are working overtime. We won't be able to celebrate your birthday this year. Ed and Jul are with us. I sent you some money on PayPal. Accept it and get yourself something to eat. We're not coming home tonight, so don't wait for us."

I heard Edward call out "Mom" loudly in the background, and Mom quickly hung up.

I logged in to PayPal and saw the money from her. I pulled a half-smile and didn't accept it.

It wouldn't be much, anyway. What was the point?

After I made myself instant pasta and sat down with my phone to study, I came across Edward's latest social media post.

And then I remembered that this exact thing had happened in my previous life, too.

It was my birthday, but a fairly popular singer was having a concert in the neighboring city.

Edward said he wanted to go. Without hesitation, my parents left, taking him and Juliana with them.