The Daughter They Optimized Away
For as long as I could remember, a family scorecard hung by our front door like a corporate dashboard.
At the end of the semester, my older sister Ava ranked first in her class, and Dad stuck a bright gold star beside her name.
I had studied until my eyes burned, but my score still came in exactly three points lower than hers.
Dad shook his head in disappointment and drew a huge red mark beside my name.
"Mia, do you know how much money you cost this family this month?"
He tapped at his calculator and said in a cold, businesslike tone, "Tutoring, supplements, private coaching. Five thousand dollars altogether. Terrible return on investment."
"Starting next month, your allowance is in the negative by two thousand. You can work it off by taking over every chore in this house."
Ava's eyes curved into a smile.
"Mia, according to the performance rules, starting today you have to handle my laundry for a whole year."
I clenched my fists, but all I could do was nod.
That night, I hid in the bathroom and searched how to raise grades fast. A strange forum link flashed onto my screen.
"Do you want to make a trade?"
"Give up what is yours. Receive what you desire."
"Tap to begin."