At a family dinner, Jason’s new mattress ignites a fierce conflict. His mother demands he return it to fund his half-sister’s car. Tensions soar as Jason stands his ground, feeling neglected for years. When his grandparents intervene, shocking revelations unfold, forever altering family dynamics.
I’m Jason, and I’m 18. I’ve had this gnawing backache for years, and it’s only gotten worse. So, I decided to do something about it. I picked up a part-time job, saving every penny to buy a new bed and mattress.
Asking my parents for help wasn’t an option. They’ve always prioritized my younger half-sister, Ashley, and our foster siblings, Natasha and Everett. It’s been five years of feeling invisible, but I’ve learned to cope.But, yesterday, my life changed forever.
The real blow came from Natasha and Everett. One evening, I overheard them talking.
“Do you think we’ll get treated like Jason when we’re older?” Everett asked, his voice small and scared.
Natasha shrugged, but her eyes were troubled. “I hope not. It’s not fair how they treat him.”
Those words cut deeper than any family critique. My own foster kids were afraid they’d end up like Jason, neglected and invisible. A wave of guilt crashed over me. How had I not seen it? The difference in treatment was so stark, so glaring, and yet I’d been blind to it.
I knew I had to make things right. The next day, I went to Jason’s new apartment, carrying a homemade pie as a peace offering.
He opened the door, looking wary.
“Jason, can we talk?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “I brought pie.”
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