All Margo wants is love and attention, in the excessive, unconditional way her sister, Maggie, gets it from everyone in their lives. Margo wonders if she did something to deserve being treated like she doesn’t exist. Lilith, the unsettling new girl in her class , explains that she doesn’t know why Margo is in this situation, but she does know how to fix it.

“I think God loves her more than me,” I tell Lilith, waiting to be dismissed like Mama and Daddy always do. But she slowly turns her head in my direction and looks me up and down.

“I think so too,” her eyes fall to the ground as if she’s remembering something, “No father will ever admit it, but he always has his favorite.” Lilith turns her attention back to Maggie. “I’m sorry your parents hate you.” Her words make my heart stop for a second.

“T-they don’t hate me,” I try to defend myself.

“Sorry, you’re right. They probably don’t even care enough to hate you.”

Genre: Magical Realism

Word Count: 2,713

Characters:

Margo, an abused little girl desperate for her parents love and affection

Maggie, the favorite, Daddy’s little girl

Lilith, a creepy, doll-like child that suddenly takes interest in Margo’s plight

Mama, Margo and Maggie’s mother

Daddy, Margo and Maggie’s father

Publication status: Unpublished, seeking publication