The Forgotten Daughter's Last Wish

My parents were away on a business trip, leaving just my brother Liam Roscente and me at home.

We sat cross-legged on the living room rug, starting a round of "I Never."

I stretched out my left hand, all five fingers spread wide.

"Last year for my birthday, Mom baked me a strawberry cake from scratch."

Liam let out a short laugh and lazily folded down one of his fingers.

"That's nothing."

He lifted his chin, looking smug.

"Both properties under our family's name have my name on the deeds."

My smile stiffened.

My fingers hovered in the air, frozen.

He smirked victoriously and bent down another finger.

"I'm also the beneficiary on all of our parents' insurance policies."

He wiggled his three remaining fingers.

"Your turn."

I opened my mouth, but the words I'd prepared got stuck in my throat.

I'd been about to say I have cancer.

Late stage.

I might not make it through the year.

Liam raised an eyebrow.

"What, you don't believe me?"

He stood up and walked into the study. I heard the sharp, metallic clicks of the combination lock as he opened the safe with unsettling ease.

He came back carrying a few red booklets and a stack of documents, dropping them in front of me.

"See for yourself."

My hands trembled slightly as I picked up the papers.

Property deeds. Insurance contracts.

Everything in black and white, all under Liam Roscente's name.

Not Charlotte Roscente's.

"Well?" Liam leaned back against the sofa, completely relaxed. "You lost this round, didn't you?"

He was right. I'd lost.

I didn't even know the safe's combination, and yet he could open it like it was nothing.

"Cat got your tongue?" He waved a hand in front of my face. "Keep playing."

I closed the folders.

My throat felt dry.

"You win."

Ever since we were kids, Liam had never beaten me at anything.

Mom always said, "Your sister's a girl—you should let her win."

I got first pick of the best snacks. I got to choose what games we played. Even my bedroom was the biggest.

Liam used to complain, "Mom and Dad only love you."

I basked in the favoritism but always felt a little guilty toward him.

So whenever he told me to drop dead, I brushed it off as angry words.

But now… I really am going to die.

Last month, the doctors confirmed it. The cancer's spread too far. Surgery isn't an option.

I only have a few months left.

I thought since our parents loved me the most, I couldn't bear to tell them yet.

I wanted to tell my brother—the one who resents me—first.

Lightly. Casually. Through a game.

But now… I didn't want to say it anymore.

Liam clicked his tongue.

"You still have three fingers left. Giving up already?"

I shook my head.

"I don't want to play anymore. I'm going to bed."