The hospital was quieter at night.
Nathan told me to wait on a bench.
After a while, a familiar voice called out, Emily?

My eldest brother,Dr.Michael Harper,stood behind me in his white coat with a stern face
“It really is you.Did you dissolve the group chat?Don’t you know Grace was worried?She skipped her birthday to find you.”
“What,crying and throwing tantrums didn’t work,so you’re pulling stunts to steal her spotlight?”
His impatience stung.
“Grace is kind,so she forgives you.Not me.You know my methods.Come home,apologize,and we’ll let it slide.”
I’d never forget how he locked me in the basement when Grace was sick,ignoring my pleas.

The memory choked me.Sweat dripped,nausea hit,and I retched against the wall.
Michael flinched in disgust and shoved my hand away
“Still haven’t learned?Stop playing deaf.Come home,finish Grace’s birthday,and I’ll drop it.”
Drop it?What did I do wrong?

Tears welled up, but I held them back
“Did you ever remember my birthday?”I asked, leaning against the wall, feeling frail
His silence was his answer
“You’re only Grace’s brother now.Not mine.My brother died the day you abandoned me.”
He opened his mouth but said nothing,he snapped,“You brought this on yourself.We welcomed you home,but you kept competing with Grace.Now you’re the victim?”
His self-righteousness drained me of energy
I stood,numb.“Fine.I’ll die then.”
My calm unnerved him.He grabbed my arm.“Come home now.We’ll throw you a birthday.”
Do you remember now?
Nathan appeared,glaring at Michael.“No need.Keep it to yourself”
He took my hand,holding a registration slip.“Let’s go,I’ll get you checked out”
His voice was soft, and his face was gentle
I looked at our clasped hands,nose stinging,and nodded.“Okay.I’ll listen.”