The narrator, Zoe, shares her story of growing up with a genius sister, Susie, and parents who favored Susie's intellect over Zoe's. Despite their parents' expectations, Zoe struggles with ADHD and is often belittled by her family. However, Zoe finds her own strengths and eventually wins a science competition, proving herself to her family. The story takes a turn as Susie stands up to their mother, who has been emotionally abusive and controlling. The sisters come together, and Susie apologizes for her past behavior, revealing that she too felt pressured by their parents' expectations. The story concludes with the sisters making amends and seeking a fresh start, free from their parents' toxic influence.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Zoe, is from Australia.
2. Zoe's parents were both highly intelligent, with her father working as a scientist and her mother being the youngest principal in the world.
3. Zoe's parents expected her to be a genius like them, but she did not meet their expectations.
4. Zoe's sister, Susie, was born when Zoe was older and was a certified genius from a young age.
5. Susie could solve puzzles and speak four different languages by the time she was seven.
6. Zoe and Susie had a strained relationship, with Susie often belittling and bullying Zoe.
7. Zoe's parents favored Susie and often ignored or belittled Zoe.
8. Zoe signed up for a debate competition to prove herself, despite her parents' and Susie's doubts.
9. Zoe won the debate competition, but her parents were still dismissive of her abilities.
10. Susie was promoted to Zoe's class at school and Zoe offered to walk her to class, but Susie pushed her away.
11. Zoe's parents were impressed with Susie's intelligence and accomplishments, but Zoe felt ignored and unappreciated.
12. Zoe's parents took her to a doctor, who diagnosed her with ADHD.
13. Zoe's parents were disappointed and ashamed of the diagnosis and treated Zoe poorly because of it.
14. Zoe started taking online classes and working on her issues, and she prepared a project for the school finals.
15. Susie's project broke and fell apart during the presentation, and her mother was furious with her.
16. Susie stood up to her mother and told her that she was tired of being stressed and pressured to perform.
17. Zoe's parents were shocked and upset by Susie's outburst, but Zoe was secretly happy to see her mother embarrassed.
18. Zoe won the project competition, and her mother was finally proud of her, but Zoe was skeptical of her mother's sudden change of heart.
19. Susie apologized to Zoe for her past behavior and the two sisters started to make amends.
20. Zoe and Susie's parents were willing to do whatever it took to keep their expectations and pressures on their daughters, even if it meant ruining their relationships with them.