A Small Lie That Haunts Me

Ever since I was younger, my sister has always been the favorite in our family. She’s got the perfect grades and a knack for making everyone laugh. Meanwhile, I’m just stuck in between, not quite as good at school or as naturally charming as she is. But there was one day when I couldn't resist telling a little white lie to feel better about myself. It was our family vacation, and my parents asked us to do a presentation on our favorite book. My sister had already read something really impressive that none of us knew much about. So, instead of just being honest about reading the latest Harry Potter book, I pretended to have tackled this obscure novel she’d been talking about. When it came time for me to speak, I did my best to sound smart and knowledgeable about it. I thought maybe if I could fool them into thinking I was as good as her, they'd see me differently too. But the truth is, after that day, every time we talk books, I can’t help but feel like a fraud. It’s such a small thing, but it still feels heavy in my heart.