Dying Wish: All Of Us Together
On the day my twin sister, Alexia Cavanaugh, and I turn 22, I collapse and find out that I have late-stage cancer.
Ignoring the doctor's advice to be admitted, I walk out of the hospital. All I want is to spend one final birthday with my family without a single worry.
But when I arrive at the party, a server stops me at the door and tells me the venue has been reserved exclusively for Alexia. Outsiders aren't allowed in.
Through the glass, I watch as my brother holds a cake and my father places a birthday hat on Alexia's head. Even my boyfriend is there, smiling as Alexia makes a wish.
I stand there for half an hour, gripping my phone, before my boyfriend finally answers my call.
"I was just at the hospital. I—"
He cuts me off. "Ophelia, you've always been healthy. It's Lexi's birthday today. We should talk later."
Isn't today my birthday too?
My mother died giving birth to me. The doctor later explained that I deprived Alexia of nutrients before birth, which left her frail from the start.
And just like that, everyone decided I should always step aside for my twin, who was born five minutes before me.
I ball up the report with my cancer diagnosis and toss it in the trash. I'm done letting their favoritism hurt me.
I've never received their love anyway, so I choose to leave for good.