every time Chloe mentioned the birthday party waiting for us at the end of the week.

Trying to avoid another argument, my mother carefully suggested, “Girls… your father and I were talking. We were thinking… maybe a massive pool party isn’t the best idea for an eighteenth birthday. We just think a catered evening indoors, maybe renting out the banquet room at the country club, might be more elegant. More… comfortable for everyone.”

Chloe slowly lowered her fork before staring at both of them in disbelief.

“More comfortable?”

Within seconds her frustration exploded. “Of course you do! Because Maya can’t handle the sun! Because Maya needs to be protected! Because this entire family revolves around Maya’s pathetic, invisible sensitivities!”

My father tried to stop her before the situation spiraled any further.

“Chloe, that is enough. Your sister has a medical condition. You know she can’t be exposed to the sun