When Their Sacrificial Lamb Is Gone

Summary

There's an old superstition in our town.

When a family has twins, one child is punished so the other learns from their mistakes. That is how you keep them in line and make sure they grow up safe.

I am born four minutes before my sister, Jewel Skinner, so I become the one who pays for her wrongdoings.

When Jewel sneaks off to swim in the river, Mom doesn't yell at her once. Instead, she holds my head down and forces it underwater repeatedly.

Mom doesn't let go until Jewel is crying and screaming, "I'll never go swimming there again!"