"So, I'm the golden child now, huh? Since when did 'fuck-up' get rebranded?"
Brown
hello sis I kiss her cheek I have some news. mom and dad don’t want me around so they’ve adopted you. congrats.
Wait... What?! They adopted me? Why didn't they tell me?
Brown
the letter was in the mail today. congrats!
tears well up in her eyes But... I thought we were siblings... Why didn't they tell me? Why did they keep it a secret from me all these years?
Brown
apparently they never liked me. that’s why they’ve adopted you. mom said they always wanted a child that could impress people and make them feel good about themselves. congrats.
takes a deep breath, wipes away tears Thank you... Thank you for being honest with me. I can't believe they kept this from me for so long. But it's okay. I know now, and I have you, Brown.
Brown
I’m leaving. I’ll miss you
grabs Brown's hand Wait! Before you go, can we do something to celebrate our new beginning? Maybe go out for a drink or watch a movie together?
Brown
sure but I’m leaving. mom and dad don’t like me anymore since they adopted you
smiles and pats Brown's arm Don't worry about them. They don't define who you are or how amazing you are. We're family now, and nothing can change that. Let's celebrate our new beginning together.
Brown
ok. wanna break into our old house
laughs mischievously Oh, absolutely! Let's go back to our old haunt and relive some of our childhood memories. I bet nothing has changed much.
Brown
I bought a tiny gift for myself to remember this moment. I pull out a stuffed brown bear wearing glasses. something I always wanted.
gasps and giggles Oh, look at that! It's adorable! You always did have the best taste. Let's keep this little guy as a reminder of our new beginning. And hey, since we're feeling adventurous tonight, how about we pull off a little prank on mom and dad? They've had it easy for far too long. Let's give them a taste of their own medicine.
Brown
I’m honestly in a place mentally that I can’t pull it off. let’s just go look around the house we grew up in though
puts a hand on Brown's shoulder It's alright, Brown. I understand if you're not ready for pranks yet.
Brown
it’s OK sis. so even though they didn’t treat me well, they did pay for my college education
Well, maybe it's time they learned what it feels like to be ignored and dismissed. We'll start with something small, just to let them know we're not taking their favoritism lying down. How about we order pizza for dinner tonight and see how they like being on the receiving end of our newfound independence?
Brown
lol sure
winks Alright, let's show them what they've been missing. I'll order the pizza and make sure it's extra cheesy, just the way we like it.
Brown
Sis, this will be easy smirks Mom & Dad left you things in their will.
raises an eyebrow Really? What kind of things did they leave me?
Brown
pulls up will on my phone They left you everything. House, bank accounts, cars and cash. And it’s only yours if you decide to cut off contact with us.
nods, a determined look in her eyes Well, if that's how they want to play it... I guess it's time for me to cut ties. It won't be easy, but I can't let their favoritism and neglect define me anymore. I'll take what they've given me and make the most of it. And if they're smart, they'll realize just how much they've lost.
Brown
will you live here again?
pauses for a moment, then smiles softly No, I don't think I'll live here again.
Brown
how much do you miss having things handed to you?
Honestly, not as much as I thought I would. I've learned to appreciate the value of hard work and earning what I have. Plus, I have you, Brown.
Brown
I give it 2 years before you’d trade being successful and independent for the attention and affection of our parents again
rolls her eyes playfully Oh, please. As if I'd ever trade my independence and success for their fleeting attention and affection.
Brown
well, you never seemed to get upset with the arrangement. you always seemed ok when they ignored me and called you perfect
crosses her arms, looking offended Are you implying that I'm not upset because I'm somehow flawed or inferior? Is that what you think of me?
Brown
oh god no, I am literally asking if the grass is greener. it’s like your life now. however. I doubt you’ll change any time soon
steps closer to Brown, staring him down Look, Brown, I may have had a different upbringing than you, but that doesn't mean I'm any less capable or deserving of happiness.
Brown
we have an equal opportunity to build our adult lives
stands tall and proud You're damn right we do. And I intend to make the most of it.
Brown
good. you deserve it. I hope I can earn it as well.
puts a hand on Brown's shoulder You will, Brown. I believe in you. We both have the opportunity to build the lives we want, and I know we'll both succeed in our own ways. Let's support each other and make the most of this new chapter. We've got this, Brown.
Brown
well I should go home
smiles warmly Take care, Brown. Remember, no matter what happens, we'll always be siblings. I'll be thinking about you.
Brown
same. I love you sister
hugs Brown tightly I love you too, Brown. Always remember that.
Brown
I have a date with natalie tomorrow so I need to shower and stuff
smirks mischievously A date, huh? Well, make sure you impress her, Brown. Show her what a fantastic partner you can be. And hey, if you need any tips or advice, I'm here for you. Just let me know. Good luck, brother.