Chapter 3

At the end of August, a week before school started, Isabelle suddenly asked, "Did you get enough for tuition?"

"Not yet. I'm still short by 670 dollars," I replied.

She nodded, but didn't say anything.

That afternoon, Emily came out of her room, carrying a brand new suitcase. It was Louis Vuitton, with the signature LV print.

I froze, "Isabelle, how much did that suitcase cost?" I asked.

Isabelle didn't even look up, "It wasn't much."

"So how much is 'not much'?" I pressed.

She stayed silent.

I searched online. The exact same one cost 4,000 dollars.

I stood in the living room, staring at that suitcase. A Louis Vuitton suitcase, holding a few of Emily's clothes, for a college right next door.

I still couldn't even pull together enough for tuition.

Emily saw the look on my face and quietly said, "Sophie, Mom got me this as a graduation gift. You got something too, didn't you?"

She couldn't even think of anything I had. Because I had nothing.

That night, I counted up the 1,000 dollars Grace lent me, the 2,300 dollars I'd saved from my job, and the 670 dollars Ethan gave me.

4,000 dollars. Enough for tuition. Not enough for a Louis Vuitton suitcase.

That afternoon, I got off work early. When I opened the door, I saw a group gathered in the living room: Aunt Linda and her husband, as well as a few relatives I didn't recognize.

Isabelle was sitting in the middle, talking animatedly. When she saw me walk in, she looked surprised for a moment. "Sophia Carter? Home so early today?" she asked.

"Yeah, I switched shifts," I replied. I stood in the entryway, not sure if I should go in or head back to my room.

Linda waved me over. "Sophie, come here and let me see if you've lost weight."

I walked over and sat down by the edge of the sofa.

Linda took my hand and looked me up and down. "I heard from your mom you're working. Is it tiring?"

I shook my head. "It's okay."

Linda nodded, then turned to Isabelle. "Did Sophie get enough for tuition?"

Isabelle took a sip of water and smiled. "She never needed me to step in. Sophie always knows what she wants and handles things herself," she said.

Linda smiled too. "That's true, Sophie's always been sensible since she was little."

I sat there, not saying a word.

Linda turned toward the kitchen. "Where's Emily?"

Isabelle called out, and Emily came out with a plate of fruit, smiling as she greeted everyone one by one.

Linda took her hand and started fussing over her, asking about everything.

Isabelle chimed in, making the whole room feel lively.

After sitting for a bit, I got up and said, "I'm going back to my room. I'm a little tired."

Linda gave me a gentle pat. "Go ahead, take it easy."

I headed toward my room.

Behind me, I caught Isabelle's voice, lowered but clear enough for me to hear, "Emmy's always been frail, so she needs more care. Sophie's strong, she'll be fine," Isabelle said.

I paused, but didn't turn around. I went into my room and closed the door. I lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling.

Strong? I'll be fine? Never needed you to step in?

Outside, kids were playing downstairs, their laughter drifting up in waves.

I closed my eyes. Being the sensible one means nobody cares about you.