Left Behind: The Forgotten Daughter's Exit

Synopsis

My parents stepped out of the elevator, dragging their luggage behind them. I had just gotten home after a twelve-hour shift at my part-time job. The moment they caught sight of me, my mom visibly froze for a second before squeezing out a fake smile. She said, "Oh, your dad, Charlotte, and I are going abroad for a few days. Forgot to tell you." She paused, then added, "Just book the next flight and catch up with us." I was still standing there, not even getting a word out yet. My dad shot me a look, and said, "Since you're here, help us get the luggage to the car." The car window rolled down, revealing Charlotte in a designer dress I couldn't afford even if I worked for a whole year. Smiling, she urged, "Mom, Dad, Hurry up! If we're late, we'll miss our first-class flight!" The car door slammed shut and they left me in the dust, without so much as a backward glance. Late that night, I sat alone in the living room. A premium pet boarding receipt lay carelessly tossed on the coffee table. It was in my mom's handwriting, covered in dense instructions on how to care for the dog. I let out a self-mocking laugh. Even for a dog, they had thought of everything. Yet somehow, I was the only one they forgot. They completely forgot that I didn't even have a passport. How am I supposed to go on a trip abroad? Just before dawn, I stood up stiffly, packed my things into a suitcase item by item, and left the house. Since I'm always the one who gets forgotten, then starting today, I'll just forget about them too.