The highway stretched out ahead of me in the dark. The only sound inside the car was the steady hum of the tires against the pavement.

My phone buzzed in the cup holder, and I saw Skylar’s name flashing on the screen. I didn’t bother picking up, because I knew it would just be another insult or a reminder that I was expendable.

I let the call go to voicemail and focused on the road. By the time I pulled into a rest stop, the full weight of the day finally crashed down on me.

I leaned back in the seat and stared at the roof of the car for a long time. I’d been through firefights that rattled me less than my sister’s words at that dining table.

That’s the thing about family. They know exactly where your weaknesses are, and they never seem to miss when they aim for them.

When I got back on the road, my mother tried to call me too. For a second I considered answering, but I knew exactly how the conversation would go.