The spread was filled with all of Marlon's favorite dishes.
I almost forgot that today marked the anniversary of his death.
In our household, my preferences were never on the table.
I loved seafood, but Diane always said Marlon was allergic, and that seafood was too expensive, so I was never allowed to indulge.
Marlon had been so good to me growing up, yet I felt like I had caused his death.
If it hadn't been for that birthday when our parents were away, and I insisted on him taking me out for fun, he might still be alive.
Diane could be harsh, but Marlon always protected me.
He saved his pocket money just to buy me treats and those little dolls sold by the school gate.
All my classmates had them, and I wanted one too, but when I told Diane the price, she shut me down immediately.
"That little trinket could buy Marlon a study guide! You spoiled brat, how could you even ask for money for toys? Money doesn't grow on trees, and you don't earn any, so save it!"
Meanwhile, she showered Marlon with cash, saying he needed to reward himself for all the hard work he put into his studies.
Of course, Marlon worked hard; I didn't.
The family had money for him but not for me.
I was just the daughter, a financial burden, while Marlon was the son, the one who would support our parents in their old age.
Gradually, I stopped voicing my desires to Diane and began seeking out Marlon to fulfill them instead.
I'd heard from classmates that the church on the mountain outside town was a place where wishes came true, but it was too far for me to go alone.
So, on my birthday, I begged Marlon to take me there. I wanted to wish for our family to become wealthy, often dreaming that if we had money, maybe Diane would treat me better.
After making my wish, I even asked for a cross for Marlon, hoping it would keep him safe so I could always rely on him for goodies and fun.
But sadly, on our way back down, it got dark and started to rain.
The mountain path became treacherous.
Marlon insisted I walk on the inside for safety, and in trying to protect me, he lost his footing and fell.
By the time they found him, it was already noon the next day.
But what they found was his cold, lifeless body, his face drained of color, clutching the cross he had gained back from me.
It was an accident, but Diane blamed me.