The Forgotten Daughter Claims Her Fortune

The summer vacation plans had been in motion for weeks.

My mother spent half a month obsessing over itineraries. My father booked the oceanfront suite. My brother, Dylan, picked out a brand-new performance surfboard. My sister, Sadie, spent hours online shopping for breezy, photo-ready dresses.

The night before we were set to leave, I helped them pack.

I was zipping up Dylan’s duffel bag when I noticed the airline envelope sitting on the coffee table. Inside were the physical boarding passes—crisp, glossy cardstock.

Four tickets.

David Mercer. Diane Mercer. Dylan Mercer. Sadie Mercer.