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 th
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