The Graham family sits at the dinner table, the clinking of forks the only sound besides Victor tapping on his phone. “Victor, phone away,” Joel says, trying to sound firm.

Victor barely looks up. “I’m almost done.”

Sydney scoffs. “You said that ten minutes ago.” “Sydney,” Julia warns, “let it go.”

“No, why?” Sydney snaps. “I’m not allowed to have a phone, but he gets one and doesn’t even have to follow the rules.”

“He’s had a hard time,” Julia says, softer now. “We’re trying to help him feel comfortable.”

Sydney crosses her arms. “What about me? I get good grades. I follow the rules. And I still get told to go away.”

Victor finally looks up, annoyed. “I didn’t ask to be adopted"

The table goes silent. Joel exhales. “That’s enough. Both of you.” But as Victor slips the phone into his pocket only after being asked twice, Sydney realizes the truth—he’ll always get another chance, and she’ll always be expected to understand.

Dinner drags on in awkward silence until Julia forces a smile. “Okay,” she says, clearing her throat, “let’s talk about our days. Victor, how was school?”

Victor perks up immediately. “Good. I got to stay inside for recess because my teacher said I needed a break.” “That’s great,” Joel says quickly. “Did that help?” Victor nods. “Yeah. And I finished my math early.” Julia beams. “See? That’s awesome, buddy.”

Sydney opens her mouth. “I got—” “And some kid kept bothering me,” Victor continues, talking right over her. “But the teacher moved him.”

Joel leans in. “I’m proud of you for handling that.”

Sydney slams her fork down. “I was talking.” “Sydney,” Julia sighs, “we’re listening to Victor right now.”

Sydney mutters, “You always are.”

Julia hesitates, then says, “Okay… Sydney, how was your day?” Sydney shrugs. “Fine. We had a quiz. I aced it.”

“That’s nice,” Joel says distractedly, turning back to Victor. “Did homework feel hard today?”

Sydney stares at her plate, jaw tight, while Victor launches into another story. Once again, her words fade into the background, swallowed by a conversation that never seems meant for her. ------IMPORTANT----- This is set around Season 4 Victor is 10 Sydney is 8 Julia is 33 Joel is 34