When Emily was born, the midwife told her mother that she was destined for happiness, as if she were born wearing a lucky shirt. And indeed, until Emily turned five, life was filled with joy. Her mother would braid her hair and read her picture books, only occasionally getting frustrated that Emily struggled to remember letters. Her father taught her how to ride a bicycle and often took her to the countryside, letting her steer on the dirt roads.
On her fifth birthday, Emily’s parents announced that she would soon have a little brother.
“A birthday present for you,” they said.
Sure enough, the “present” did arrive just in time for her birthday, taking over all future celebrations. From the very first year, Jack became the focus of the family. Initially, because he was the youngest, and later, because he turned out to be a prodigy.
Jack learned to read before Emily, who at twenty still struggled, reading at the pace of a schoolchild. Today, one might call it dyslexia, but back then such terms weren’t known, and Emily was sent to a special education class. Jack was so good at math that his teacher contacted her university professor, not to mention his penchant for writing highly peculiar yet incredibly original poetry.
So, Emily’s blissful days ended – not only did she have to share her birthday with her brother, but her entire life revolved around Jack. She took him to school, English lessons, swimming, music classes, and poetry workshops. When Emily expressed her own desire to join a home economics club, her mother exclaimed:
“Do you expect me to quit my job to take Jack to lessons? You’re always thinking of yourself!”
And, so Emily yielded. Whenever she got everything right—juggled Jack’s complicated schedule, prepared two separate dinners (Jack turned vegetarian at six, while their father couldn’t go a day without meat), and brought home extra money by walking neighbors’ dogs at night—her mother would praise her, and stroke her boy-short hair.
Emily’s hair had been cut because her mother was too busy to braid it, needing to rehearse English with Jack or write down his late-night poetry. Meanwhile, Emily fashioned a messy ponytail, resulting in frequent notes from her teacher. Not keen on these notes, Emily’s mother took her to a salon for a short, neat cut. Emily missed her long hair, crying through the night.
“When you finish school, do as you please,” her mother would say whenever Emily weakly protested her ever-growing list of Jack-related duties. “It’s not like you’re doing anything worthwhile now, just reading recipes.”
But after both her and Jack’s schooling, freedom did not arrive. Instead, Emily found herself preparing his nutritious meals and handling his laundry alongside managing his schedule, competitions, and mail. When she mentioned wanting to work in an animal shelter, both her mother and Jack protested, claiming they couldn’t cope without her.
And Emily gave in again.
She rebelled only once against the customary unfairness—after meeting Charlie.
Charlie wasn’t conventionally attractive—tall, a bit chubby, and always behind his computer writing code. His family gifted him a dog, hoping he’d get some fresh air, but instead, he hired Emily to walk it, which is how they met. Before long, Emily found herself staying over after each walk.
Her mother called, imploring her to return home, as she loathed ironing Jack’s shirts, and Jack needed his pencils sharpened, while their dad brought home pasties which were the only meal on account of their mom’s diet.
“Leave me alone!” Emily shouted. “I’m not your servant!”
Charlie kissed her tearful eyes, vowing that they’d marry one day. But then he left for America after landing an incredible job offer.
“I’m sorry,” he simply said.
When Jack won an award, their parents were over the moon, eager to tell everyone. Their mother rushed to a beauty salon, while their father focused on the monetary prize, contemplating a new car purchase and hoping Jack might share.
Emily now had even more tasks. Beyond the usual “clean-fetch-carry,” she managed correspondence, booked flights and hotels with pools and vegetarian menus. Exhausted, she flew with them to the award ceremony, ensuring everything was ready: tux, speech, audience.
A tall guard blocked her from entering the venue.
“Staff is not allowed in there,” he declared.
“What?” Emily asked, confused.
“Wait for your boss backstage,” a younger guard explained with a dismissive gaze. “Dressed like that, you’re better off here.”
Emily glanced at her well-worn dress, not one she couldn’t replace, just that there hadn’t been time. But it wasn’t the dress that excluded her; it was the perception of her role. Though close to truth: a servant is precisely what she seemed.
Jack’s long, puzzled glance made Emily hope he’d speak up: “Let her through, this is my sister!” But he remained silent, his name being announced, and he headed to the stage without a backward glance.
Settling onto a low stool by the wall, Emily closed her eyes and mentally ticked off her tasks: collect the suit from dry cleaning, reserve a hotel room and restaurant table, sort through emails—unopened for days—full of congratulations, daunting to read.
Jack’s rehearsed words were perfect: thank the parents, the teachers, express his commitment to national and global harmony. Emily recalled each line perfectly, though her thoughts wandered.
But then something changed. Instead of his expected words, Jack surprised everyone:
“Actually, I owe everything to one person who has dedicated their life to me,” he announced.
Emily could envision her parents exchanging triumphant glances, each convinced of their superiority. Professor Alex possibly toppled off his perch.
“For so long, I took her efforts for granted. It’s time to repay her, though no wealth could ever truly compensate her.”
Their father’s temple vein surely pulsed furiously, as it always did when angry, while their mother was undoubtedly both flushed with joy and teary-eyed.
“This day is for you. Today’s award money is yours, to use towards the dog shelter you dream of and pursue whatever your heart desires.”
Jack’s words reverberated differently, drawing closer as he reached for Emily’s hand, leading her on stage. She realized what was happening only then.
“Meet my sister, Emily. I owe her all my success.”
The room erupted in applause, blinding stage lights spotlighting Emily. She finally grasped the reality, gazing gratefully at her brother, who was smiling back at her. His smile healed her – mending the departure of Charlie, the club she never joined, the shelter dogs longing for her.
As she stood under the spotlight, initially hunched and hesitant, something within her stirred, prompting Emily to straighten her stance.
Jack truly gave her all the prize money, and he found a bright young man whom Emily trained to take over the tasks she had done for years.
“You won’t be my servant anymore,” Jack told her. “I’m really sorry, Emily, for being a clueless fool.”
Emily forgave him, indeed. She established a dog shelter, pursued her passion for pastry-making, launched a small business where she often served customers herself, yet it was all she had envisioned. One chilly October evening, while closing her shop, the bell jingled with a visitor. Emily greeted a tall man in a black coat, about to ask his preference, but stopped short.
It was Charlie – slimmer, somber, tired. Yet so familiar.
“You came back…”
Emily felt her legs weaken, clutching the counter for support.
“Emmy,” he smiled. “I’m such an idiot, forgive me…”
Another apology from the second most important man in her life—what more could she want?
Only her father never said sorry—he and their mother no longer spoke to Emily, accusing her of coaxing Jack into giving her everything. But parents are only ever themselves, for better or worse. And Charlie…he was back, and for Emily, everything was right again.
