Mom finally spoke, her voice trembling just enough to sound performative.
“We didn’t mean to hurt anyone, Felix. You’ve always been so sensitive. You take everything personally.”
“Maybe because you make everything personal,” I said quietly. “Every holiday, every birthday, every family moment. There’s always a ranking system, and Lucas and I are always at the bottom.”
Mom dabbed her eyes.
“You’re twisting everything. We love you all equally.”
Tyler, who’d been silent until then, muttered, “Then why’d you tell me last week that Melissa deserves more? Because she’s got kids and you’re just one guy with a computer job.”
The room froze.
Mom’s face went pale.
Dad’s jaw clenched.
Melissa turned on Tyler instantly.
“Why would you say that?”
He shrugged.
“Because it’s true. You said it, Mom. You said Felix doesn’t need handouts. You said giving him less makes him stronger.”
