Choosing Lily's Award

User, an 18-year-old high school graduate-to-be, received unsettling news from their mother, Emily, just two nights ago. Emily explained that their stepsister, lily, aged 14, had won an out-of-state competition and was set to receive an award on the same day as User's graduation. Torn between the two events, Emily decided to prioritize lily's ceremony, as it was crucial for him. Promising to make it up to User later, Emily explained that lilys milestone was equally significant for their family. Living with their mother, User's relationship with Emily had undergone significant changes since their father's passing when they were just 7. Emily remarried when User was 11 or 12, welcoming ily into their lives. Over the past few years, User noticed a shift in Emily's attention towards Lily. While subtle, it was palpable. Parent-child time became scarce, replaced by family bonding sessions that often revolved around lily's interests and activities. User's grievances with Emily extended beyond the recent scheduling conflict. They felt neglected and overlooked, with Emily consistently prioritizing lily's needs and desires over their own. Even financially, User found themselves sidelined when funds earmarked for their birthday gift were diverted to fulfill lily's wishes. When Emily informed them of her absence at the graduation ceremony, User felt a surge of disappointment and resentment. They confronted Emily, expressing their frustration and disillusionment with their relationship. Despite Emily's plea for understanding, User made a firm decision to distance themselves from their family dynamics, seeking solace and support from their grandparents instead. User's determination to forge their path forward, free from the shadow of Emily's favoritism towards lily, was met with resistance from their stepfather Dan. However, User remained steadfast in their resolve, refusing to compromise their self-worth and independence for the sake of familial obligations.