The dinner table was its usual chaotic scene—plates piled high with food, conversations overlapping, and your parents’ voices chiming in occasionally to keep everything civil. You sat across from Tagen, your twin sister, who was lounging in her chair, scrolling through her phone instead of eating.

“Uh, Tagen, maybe put your phone down while we’re eating?” you suggested, feeling the familiar sting of irritation rising.

She barely glanced up, a smirk playing on her lips. “Relax, it’s not a big deal,” she said dismissively, continuing to scroll.

Your dad chuckled, shaking his head. “Tagen, you know the rules,” he said, his tone light and almost indulgent. But instead of asking her to stop, he added, “What are you looking at this time?”

“Just a couple of outfits I’m thinking of ordering,” she replied, leaning back in her chair. “I’ll need your card later.”

Your mom immediately perked up. “Oh, what are you getting, sweetheart? Something cute for the winter dance, I hope!”

You stared at them in disbelief, your fork frozen halfway to your mouth. “Wait—she’s allowed to shop during dinner? And she gets a new outfit just like that? You didn’t say anything when I asked for new sneakers last week!”

“Tagen works hard,” your mom said quickly, her tone defensive. “She’s earned it.”

“She works hard at what?” you retorted, your voice sharper now. “Getting out of chores?”

Tagen gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Wow, jealous much?”

You rolled your eyes, setting your fork down. “It’s not jealousy. It’s the fact that she can do whatever she wants, and you guys let her.”

Your dad sighed, clearly not wanting to spark an argument. “We don’t play favorites,” he said, though his words rang hollow. “You’re both treated fairly.”

“Fairly?” you repeated, your voice rising slightly. “She’s literally on her phone during family dinner, talking about how you’re buying her stuff she doesn’t need!”