My dad slid my college letter back across the table, paid for my twin sister on the spot, and told me, “she’s worth the investment. You’re not.” Four years later, my parents walked into graduation with flowers for her, front-row seats, and no idea whose name was about to echo through that stadium.

e paying for Redwood Heights,” he said, looking at Clare first. “Full tuition, housing, meals—everything.”

My twin sister gasped, though part of me knew she had expected it. My mother smiled through tears, already imagining dorm decorations and campus visits. Then my father turned to me.

“Lena,” he said, “we’ve decided not to fund Cascade State.”

For a moment, I didn’t understand. Cascade State wasn’t elite, but it was a respected public university with a strong economics program. I had earned that acceptance. I had studied late, kept my grades high, helped at home, and asked for nothing extravagant. I had only wanted the same chance.

“I don’t understand,” I said.

My father leaned back. “Your sister has exceptional networking skills. Redwood Heights will maximize her potential.”

“And me?”

My mother looked down.