A Study in Sisterhood 

I didn’t know this is what they meant when they said life is hard. 

I never found a passion. I was too obsessed with emulating who I thought she was.

I couldn’t be myself because when I spoke up about a desire or a slight, I was hit. 

Nobody would believe me if I told them what happened to me. 

Liar. Attention seeker. Get over yourself. 

I never questioned why my parents are divorced. They just are. 

Why do anyone’s parents get divorced? 

I constantly question why my older sister is never around. I guess it is my job to be the big sister. 

I will get on the cheerleading squad. I will dye my hair and steal her clothes. 

I wore her favorite claddagh ring in secret for three years. 

My doctor says it’s time for me to find an adult doctor. Adult doctor? I ask her. 

She tells me I can’t keep going to the pediatrician at 21. 

I had no idea. 

Every time we meet at our parents’ she just mutters a hello. I don’t even look at her. 

I feel like no matter what I say, she will bite back at me. 

She’s witty. Smarter than me. I can only win arguments with her by belittling and screaming. It does the trick sometimes. 

I’m skinny now, see? I have a pet dog now too, see? I have a boyfriend in the service, that adds value to my judgement of character, see? 

I’ll get Botox like those girls on TikTok. Who cares? I’ll get Botox if I want to get Botox. I’m so poor. 

I bought my dog 5 new dog toys. I’m so poor. 

You don’t get the timeshare from our parents. I do. I go more often than you. I was the one that went this year. 

I’m so poor. 

Mom, Dad. I am taking your paper towels and dry food. I can’t bring anything this Thanksgiving. I’m so poor. 

I bake like her now, see? Oh wow. Those cookies she made for Thanksgiving look store-bought. 

I’ll order family desserts from a bakery for every holiday after. I’m so poor. 

I dyed my hair red, too. See? 

I have those same sneakers. 

Look at my new suitcase dad got me! Everyone be happy for me, isn’t it great?! Check out this new suitcase! See? 

She was in the hospital for three months.

Everyone is so happy she’s better now. 

On Facebook, I am happy, too. See? 

I think I’m anemic. I think I have diabetes. I’m pretty sure I have arthritis. 

I’m not paying those medical bills. 

Dad?

She has a degree, but I work with someone from her graduating class. 

I guess they didn’t really know each other. 

My boss always gets mad when I call out of work. She is such a bitch. 

It’s not my fault I have a doctor’s appointment. 

Your chest hurts? That’s costochondritis. I had that once. 

Christmas again. Did you get my text about the White Elephant party?

No price limit. Make sure you bring something worth giving.

Wow. I’m so glad you’re fat now. 

I win.