I Was the One Erased

I've had a terrible memory since I was a child. I can never seem to remember anything.

But my older brother, Fred Zimmer, is the pride of the family. He gets excellent grades and is handsome, too.

Mom always says, "Don't feel pressured. We love you both the same."

Dad often comforts me, too. "Josh, forgetting things means you won't have a lot of worries. All I want is for you to be happy."

I've always believed them without question.

After I graduate, I secretly take my birth certificate and apply for public housing to help ease the financial strain at home.