I didn’t speak. I didn’t react. I didn’t cry. I just held my breath.

Dad stood over me while I tried to push myself back up. “You will take her,” he said. “That interview means nothing. Nobody important wants you.”

I looked up at him, and something inside me snapped—so quietly it felt like a fuse melting instead of exploding. He wasn’t just choosing Chloe again. He wasn’t just prioritizing her comfort. He was declaring my life worthless.

I stood up slowly. “I’m leaving,” I said. “Right now. For my interview.”

Dad barked out a laugh. “Try it. Walk out that door. You’ll regret it.”

Chloe smirked. Mom crossed her arms.

I picked up my keys from the counter. I walked toward the door slowly. Dad blocked it. For a moment, I genuinely felt like I was trapped in a cage with the people who wanted me powerless forever.