When Will My Parents Ever Praise Me?

"Forget it. I'm going to check on the baby," Mom said.

Over the next few days, Mom and Dad never looked for me again.

Dad went to work as usual, but Olivia suddenly started throwing up her milk and refusing to eat. Mom was so worried that she took her to several hospitals, but nothing helped.

Then, she heard that Patricia Kane knew a skilled medical practitioner.

Mom called Patricia, and every word out of her mouth sounded eager to please.

"Patricia, it's been ages! Your son hasn't come over to play with Sabrina in so long. Why don't I bring her over in a few days to keep him company?"

A chill ran down my spine the moment I heard that.

I had played with Patricia's son before. He always bullied me.

Back then, he hit me in the head with a chair and forced me to watch as he strangled a litter of newborn kittens. I was so traumatized that I had nightmares about it for an entire month.

Mom and Dad used to be adamant about keeping me away from him. Mom said he had serious behavioral problems. He had even blinded another kid once.

Patricia let out a cold, sharp laugh on the other end of the line. "I thought Sabrina didn't like playing with my son."

Mom humbled herself further. "Patricia, I heard you know a really good medical practitioner. My daughter hasn't been eating well lately, and I'm at my wits' end.

"Could you find a day to take me to see him? I'll bring Sabrina along and leave her at your place to play. It'll be good for the kids to have each other for company."

My heart sank.

For Olivia's sake, Mom was willing to throw me to the wolves.

I wanted to leave this house, but no matter what, I couldn't get out. It was as if I were tethered to my parents.

I started hoping someone would find me.

Then, one day, just as Mom and Dad were about to take Olivia out, both sets of grandparents suddenly came over.

They were all carrying gifts—beautifully wrapped boxes in shades of pink.

Were they for me?

A flicker of hope stirred in my chest, but Mom's brow only furrowed at the sight of them.

"Mom, Dad, how many times have I told you that you need to treat both children fairly? All these gifts are for Sabrina, but what about Olivia?

"She may be young, but she's not stupid. She'll be heartbroken. There are two children in this family. You can't favor one over the other."

Grandma frowned as she brought a strawberry cake in from the hallway. Displeasure flickered across her face. "How can you call yourself a mother and forget your own daughter's birthday? Of course, we brought Sabrina gifts. It's her birthday."

A wave of warmth bloomed in my chest.

My grandparents remembered my birthday. I was still a happy child after all.

The strawberry cake smelled sweet and creamy. It was my favorite.

I circled it, unable to resist leaning in and rubbing my cheek against Grandma's arm.

Grandma scanned the room. "Where's Sabrina?"

Mom and Dad froze. A flash of sheer awkwardness crossed their faces before they turned their gaze toward Granny.

"Mom, we were actually just about to head over to your place to pick her up. Since you were coming for her birthday, why didn't you just bring her with you?"

Granddad's and Granny's brows drew together.

"What are you talking about? When did you drop her off at our place? You two must be so busy you've lost your minds."

Without another word, the four of them headed straight to my room.

"Sabrina, come on out. Come see the birthday present I have for you!"

Mom and Dad exchanged a look. Their bodies were stiff as boards as they stood paralyzed in the doorway.

After searching the house and failing to find me, Grandma came back out. "Where is she? When was the last time you saw her?"

Mom and Dad began trembling uncontrollably.

Neither of them spoke. Instead, their eyes instinctively drifted toward the washing machine.