The envelopes arrived on the same day.
My sister, Sadie Collins, opened hers first. She had been accepted into Ashford Heights University, an elite private school with a reputation for wealthy families, powerful connections, and tuition costs high enough to make most parents pause.
Mine came next. My hands shook as I opened my letter and saw that I had been accepted into Silver Lake State University, a respected public school with a strong academic program. It was not glamorous, but it was solid. It was the kind of place built for students who worked hard and kept going.
I looked up, waiting for the same excitement that had just filled the room for Sadie.
It never came.
That evening my father called what he liked to call a “family discussion” in the living room. He sat in his usual chair with his back straight and his hands folded, looking less like a father and more like a man reviewing a business proposal. My mother sat beside him. Sadie leaned against the wall, smiling faintly, already carrying herself like someone whose future had been secured.
I sat across from them with my acceptance letter folded in my lap.
“We need to talk about college finances,” my father said.
Then he turned to Sadie.
“We’ll be covering your full tuition at Ashford Heights. Housing, meals, books, everything.”
Sadie let out a breathless laugh and threw her arms around him. My mother immediately started talking about dorm decor, orientation, and flights for move-in weekend.
Then my father looked at me.
“Avery,” he said evenly, “we’ve decided not to fund your education.”
At first the sentence didn’t make sense. It floated in the air without landing.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “What?”
He clasped his hands together. “Your sister has exceptional people skills. Ashford Heights is the kind of environment that will maximize her potential. It’s a strong investment.”
Investment.
The word was so cold I felt it in my chest.
“And me?” I asked quietly.
