After Mom and Dad ditched me for my adopted brother Connor Bennett’s dog one too many times, I learned to be good.
Dad took Connor to Disneyland on my birthday and left me home alone. I didn’t ask. I didn’t care.
Mom tore up my most treasured sketchbook to line Biscuit’s bed. I didn’t cry. I didn’t make a scene.
It wasn’t until I broke my arm and got rushed into the Fairhaven General Hospital ER that Mom and Dad finally showed up.
“Leo! Why didn’t you tell us? We’re your mom and dad! What happened to you?”
My voice was calm. “Nothing much. Just a broken arm. It’s already set.”
“I know you’re busy. I understand.”
Dad went still. “A broken arm is serious. You tell us it’s nothing? You don’t say a word?”
He reached for me, but the whispers around us pinned him in place.
“That’s the Bennetts’ real son? He only got here after he broke his arm. I thought they only had Connor.”
“Yeah. They treat their own son worse than the kid they adopted.”
Mom hurried to explain. “Connor has no parents. He has a serious heart condition. Besides us, only that dog is with him.”
“That dog is his life. Leo, don’t take it personally. Mom will find you the best doctor. You’ll be fine.”
I nodded. “Okay. Thank you, ma’am.”
She froze. “What did you call me?”
“Last time I called you Mom, Connor cried. He said I was stealing his mom.”
“I didn’t want him to cry, so I changed it. Don’t worry—I’ll call you that from now on.”
Dad’s patience snapped. “If you’re upset, then cry. Don’t just sit there pretending you’re fine!”
“We spoil Connor because he has no parents. How can you be jealous of that?”
I stayed calm. “Okay. I understand.”
I wasn’t going to cry.
Aunt Claire had promised to come get me. In three days, I’d never have to fight Connor for Mom and Dad again.
***
Dad’s phone rang right then.
He frowned but answered.
“I’m busy right now. Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow.”
A tearful voice came through. “Dad, Biscuit threw up again. Come back with Mom, okay? I’m really scared.”
Dad looked at me, then at my right arm in the cast.
“Leo just broke his arm—”
Connor immediately burst into loud sobs. “Then I’ll just throw Biscuit away! It’s all my fault!”
Dad softened again. “Don’t cry.”
He covered the receiver and said to me. “Be good, Leo. Wait for me. I’ll be quick.”
“Dad will bring you Transformers and strawberry cake.”
I didn’t speak. My favorite was LEGO. Besides, I was allergic to dairy.
Mom patted my head. “Leo’s the best. We’ll be back soon.”
They turned and left.
Nurse Amy watched me from the side, her eyes red. “Leo, if it hurts, tell me. Don’t hold it in.”
I wiped her tears with my good left hand. “It’s okay. I’m leaving soon.”
That night Nurse Amy stayed with me. Mom and Dad didn’t come back by morning.
Mom posted on Facebook. [With you two here, I’m not afraid of anything.]
The photo showed Dad’s profile as he frowned and gave Biscuit a shot, Mom holding Connor, smiling with relief.
I saw it when I used Nurse Amy’s phone to call Mom.
I stared at the post for a long time, then handed the phone back.
The lab nurse came to draw a tube of blood. She said it was a routine hospital test.
When the needle went into my arm, I didn’t cry.
Compared to a broken arm, that pain was nothing.
My smartwatch buzzed. A message from Aunt Claire. [Leo, the school transfer will be done in seven days.]