Not that I blame you. When I have somewhere to go, I leave, too.
It's probably strange to some people, how close our family isn't. And if you're from a family that is close, I can imagine it would be.
But we've been taught that avoidance and secrets are the easiest way to stay safe, haven't we?
For siblings, we turned out quite different. I won't lie, I have always felt a slight bit of unearned resent toward you. It felt, growing up, like I was the test case. That disciplinary policies were honed on me, so you ended up getting the best of everything. Better clothes, nice car. I did my best to be happy for you, but there is a part of me that still feels like I got dicked.
It's also strange what a difference a few years in age can make. There are probably memories I consider "formative" that you don't recall at all. Hell, you were a crying infant for one of the worst. I'm a bit sure you don't recall that one.
I guess this is a plea, more than anything else. Don't be upset at me for avoiding volatile family functions, because there is still a lot of bitterness over my childhood.
Things were worse before you came along.
