One Last Birthday Without Me

When Julia and I were born, the Moon Goddess made a prophecy that one of us would die on our sixteenth birthday. Because Julia suffered from Wolf Wasting Syndrome, everyone believed she would be the one to die. From that day on, all the love and attention went to Julia. Every year, she was the center of our birthday celebration. Every new dress was made for her. When we were both kidnapped by rogues, she was the one Mom and Dad rushed to save first. It hurt me to watch her life slowly slipping away, but at the same time, I envied her for having all of our parents' love. Then came our sixteenth birthday. Afraid that I would ruin Julia's final birthday celebration, Mom and Dad locked me in the dungeon. No one knew that wolfsbane fumes still lingered in the dungeon. The poison tore through my body with unbearable pain. I dragged myself to the dungeon door and begged through the agony, "Mom, it hurts so much. Please let me out. I promise I won't ruin Julia's birthday..." Mom ignored my plea and snapped angrily, "Julia only has today left, and you're still lying just to steal our attention? If you're going to behave like such a horrible child, I wish you were the one destined to die in the prophecy instead!" My face went pale as I slowly lowered my hand and stopped calling for help. Outside the dungeon, Mom and Dad thought I had finally realized I was wrong. They quickly coaxed Julia away from the cold, damp place. Inside, my consciousness slowly faded until I stopped breathing altogether.