The Fake Son's Victory

Summary

My parents had always played favorites.

On my birthday, the house was completely empty.

Meanwhile, my older brother, Howard Moore, posted a nine-photo grid on social media, showing off a huge birthday cake. In every picture, Mom and Dad were gathered around him, smiling like they couldn’t be prouder.

I called them.

Laughter poured through the phone from the other end. Still, I gathered every bit of courage I had and asked softly, “Why didn’t I even get a happy birthday?”

The line went silent for a second.

Then Mom’s bright, smiling voice came through.