The narrator, Saia, shares a story about her tumultuous relationship with her older brother, Marc (also referred to as Matt). Their father, a business magnate, consistently favors Saia, creating tension between the siblings. Matt becomes increasingly resentful and aggressive, feeling overshadowed by Saia's accomplishments.
As the story unfolds, Matt's behavior escalates, and he begins to sabotage Saia's possessions and online gaming career. Despite Saia's efforts to defend herself and her belongings, Matt's actions become more menacing, including a violent outburst in the kitchen.
The situation reaches a boiling point when Matt's emotional distress is revealed in a shocking outburst at school, where he expresses his desire to be an orphan. Saia begins to realize that her family has been neglecting Matt's emotional needs and that their favoritism has contributed to his behavior.
The story takes a turn when Saia confronts her parents about their treatment of Matt, and her father's refusal to acknowledge his mistakes leads to a dramatic confrontation. However, in a surprising twist, Matt apologizes for his behavior and expresses a desire to change, and the family begins to work towards healing and reconciliation.
Here are the facts from the text:
1. The narrator, Saia, lives in Arizona with her parents and brother Marc.
2. Saia's dad is a business magnate.
3. When Saia was five years old, she caught a falling Christmas tree to save her dad's glass table.
4. Marc, Saia's brother, is a year older than her.
5. Saia and Marc's relationship is strained, and they often fight.
6. On Saia's 12th birthday, her dad surprised her with the latest PlayStation.
7. Marc was jealous and threw his plate of food at the wall.
8. Saia started playing video games and discovered she could earn money by streaming on YouTube.
9. Saia became popular at school for her gaming skills.
10. Someone posted a video on Saia's channel, claiming she was a fraud and that her brother played the games for her.
11. The video was posted by Marc, who was trying to sabotage Saia's gaming career.
12. Saia's parents bought her a new PlayStation and a cat named Kitkat after Marc destroyed her first one.
13. Marc put Kitkat in a baking dish and threatened to put her in the oven.
14. Saia saved Kitkat and fought with Marc, resulting in a rack of dishes being broken.
15. Saia's parents were worried about Marc's behavior and considered sending him to an asylum.
16. Marc left a note saying he had gone to Chicago, but he returned later.
17. Saia received an invitation to a gaming marathon with famous players.
18. Marc tried to burn the invitation, but Saia saved it by throwing a jug of water at him.
19. Saia's parents were shocked by Marc's behavior and considered therapy.
20. The family had a heart-to-heart conversation, and Marc apologized for his actions.
21. Saia's parents apologized for not giving Marc enough love and attention.
22. The family decided to work on their relationships and seek therapy.