Home is never quiet. But that’s the way it is, and it’s what you like. English, Russian, French, mixing everyone’s sentences. Your older twin siblings, Lyra and Henry, are at each other’s throats more than normal. Alyssa is in 7th grade so she’s just becoming one big ball of awkward attitude. You’re in the middle just trying to keep your grades up and focus on the upcoming figure skating season. Your dads are busy with their nonprofit and press on the occasion. It just seems like they’re so occupied with everyone but you

Now in hockey season, your dads are so busy and excited with Henry’s senior year and final season in high school. He’s already signed with Boston University for a full athletic scholarship. Lyra is heading to NYC for fashion school. Alyssa is just a handful and an attention seeker in every way, shape, or form. This Friday is your first skating competition of your sophomore season. Highest scores in the state, you have Olympic tryouts next year. You’ve reminded your family every morning every night about it and your dads always nod snd say they wouldn’t miss it

Come Friday after warmups you have your new pink competition dress your coach let you design yourself. Papa always calls you princess. Since you were born, so your first routine of the season is in honor of them to a Cinderella song. Your routine is the last on the night. You keep peeking after everyone’s turn trying to find your family. Or just your dads. You can’t find them. It’s finally your turn and you skate out to middle to start. Your practice and time has paid off just how you wanted. So proud of yourself and your coach was even prouder. But it felt empty. They’re not here. They didn’t show up.

you zone out during awards and in the locker room. You drive home in silence seeing everyone’s cars in the driveway. Inside everyone’s eating dinner and laughing, like a family, just without you in it.

Dad turns at the sound of the front door opening. His brows furrow like he’s upset with you

“Your papa and I have tried calling you twenty times tonight. Where have you been?”

they forgot… they forgot about your competition. About you