Swap Lives with My Sister

My parents have always favored my sister, Sarah. Now, given a second chance at life, I’m done competing. Sarah wants my scholarship to Stanford? She can have it.

Sarah wants my research project? It’s hers.

Sarah wants my boyfriend, Jason? He’s all yours, sis. This time around, I just want a peaceful life, focused on myself.

Being me? I don’t regret it one bit.

“Ashley, you know about your sister’s health. She can’t pull all–nighters studying like you, she can’t get into a good college through the regular admissions process. So, about that scholarship…”

Dad’s voice cracked. Mom glared at me, silently urging him on.

He finally choked out the rest of the sentence.

“Could you, you know… give it to Sarah?”

It sounded like a question.

But it was a command. Delivered without a shred of guilt. I stared at my dad, his hair not yet gray, the memory of falling from that building flashing before my eyes.

It took a moment to realize I was reborn. Back to seventeen, back to a time when I could change everything. Mom’s face hardened when I didn’t respond immediately.

“Ashley,” she scolded, “you’re smart and capable, unlike your sister. Whether you want to or not, you have to give her the scholarship.”

Last time, Mom said the exact same thing. I was furious, refusing to give up what I’d earned.

But in the end…