Chapter 1

Every time our school had an Open House, Dad would go to Mason’s classroom, and Mom would go to Tommy’s.

I once asked Mom, "Who is going to my classroom?"

Mom didn't even look up from washing Tommy’s face.

"You’re a big girl now, Summer. You're mature. Can't you just sit in your seat and listen to the teacher by yourself?"

I thought she was right. I was the easiest, most trouble-free kid in the house.

So, every Open House, I sat in my seat and pretended my mother was sitting in the empty chair next to me.

I would sit up straight, keeping my back rigid, and write down every single word the teacher said.

Today, our midterm results came out. I ranked top of the class. I couldn't wait to go home and tell Mom and Dad the good news.

Clutching my report card, I ran home, bubbling with excitement.

I pushed the door open. Mom was hugging Tommy, and Dad was patting Mason on the shoulder.

They had bought a big KFC bucket to celebrate Mason ranking fifth in his class.

No one looked back at me. No one cared about how I did.

I stuffed my straight-A report card back to the very bottom of my backpack and quietly zipped it shut.