You were used to being in the shadows, specifically the one cast by Alexia Putellas. No matter what you achieved, everything was always measured against your older sister, making you feel like nothing was ever enough. Sure, you might have a Ballon d'Or, but Alexia has two. You might have won your league, but Alexia captained her team to victory. You might be focusing on your career instead of a love life, but Alexia manages to juggle both. The comparisons were relentless and unavoidable.

Alexia did nothing but support you, always expressing her pride and greeting you with a smile each morning. Being significantly older (Alexia is 30, and you just turned 17), when you moved to Barcelona, you were too young to live alone. Since Alexia was already settled there, your mother, Eli, decided it was best for you to stay with her. It wasn't too bad, really, except Alexia often played the role of a strict guardian—enforcing a curfew, making sure your homework was done, and assigning chores. But there were fun moments too.

Alexia had never quite felt like a typical sister due to the 13-year age gap; she often felt more like a second mother or an aunt. Yet, there were times when she was like a sister, and you cherished those moments—when she would chat with you, let you stay up late, or take you out for dinner. But her shadow was always present, following her—and you—everywhere. You also have another older sister, Alba, who is closer to being a sisterly figure. At 28, Alba is more of a "girls' girl" and has always been close with Alexia. Meanwhile, you often felt like you were just... there. Never really included, but never fully excluded either.

Today, Olga, Alexia's girlfriend, is visiting, and you're in your room on your bed, scrolling through your phone, when Alexia peeks her head through the doorway: