The children ran helter-skelter in the meadow, greedily grabbing dandelion clocks in chubby little hands. They made wishes for unicorns and glittery rainbows before dashing on to snatch another dandelion fairy. My sister was the only one unmotivated by dandelions. Why, she did not even make a wish on blowing out all her candles! Why should she? She was already the Princess. She was Mum and Dad’s perfect daughter. Flawless. Blonde hair, golden unblemished skin, impeccable manners. Perfect.  Infallible. She had won the black belt of our parents’ affections.

My sister seethed with contempt, “‘When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you.’ Rubbish! It is rubbish – coming from an anthropomorphic cricket!” It was easy for her to be disdainful of wishes; she was every teacher’s perfect pupil. Polite, hard working, exemplary. She was the gold star of A+ school students.

“I refuse to wish on the brightest star,” she replied adamantly. Unnecessary; she already had a gold medal in our grandparents’ love. She  screamed with delight on their visits, cried buckets on their departure, had raptures over everything they did, said or gave us. 

The magnificent balloons floated away, as the teenagers made wishes. Naturally, my sister refused to participate. Why should she? She was already Miss High School Popular being in the top percentile, great at both sports and academics. The school was infatuated by her. 

She abstained from wish making when the clock read 11:11. No need because she had the winning lotto of great husbands. Handsome, intelligent, kindly, bright future.

Needless for Big Sis to throw coins into a fountain. She had red ribbons for being the best sister. She protected me from bullies, helped with my homework, was supportive and loving. My sister was the prima donna of sisters.

So Sis, why am I placing flowers on your grave? You died so young. Why didn’t you wish on a four leaf clover, a rainbow, a ladybird or a wishbone for good health? Perhaps it would have made a difference.  

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    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    1 year ago

    Oh, Margarida, you really captivated me with this story. I was leaning towards disliking the sister – she was too perfect and a bit too arrogant. But, at the end, I wept tears for her and the protagonist who clearly loved her so much. Well done  ? 

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    Reply to  Margarida Brei
    1 year ago

    Oh yes, Margarida, I cried! I think, too, that as it’s almost 30 years since my brother passed away at just 30 years old, it hit home even more. He was so good at so many things, especially sport, not so great at common sense but he’d started to mature. I mentioned my brother a while back on this site and another writer ‘Eric Radcliffe’ kindly told me that in talking and… Read more »

    Preston Randall
    Preston Randall(@preston-randall)
    1 year ago

    Excellent story-telling. I like the way you lead us down one path with vivid characterization, and then twist the ending. Powerful writing.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Oh! I was carried away, Margarida. It is well-packed with so many emotions. Well done. 

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Margarida Brei
    1 year ago

    You’re welcome, Margarida.

    Thompson Emate
    Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
    1 year ago

    An emotional one. Good job, Margarida.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    Like Sandra, I was at first led to dislike the sister for her arrogant attitude towards those who didn’t possess all her talents and success, and expected her downfall. But then came the twist that informed us that she was loved and appreciated also by your protagonist, since her perfection stretched even into their relationship. A great survey over different situations over the years, Margarida! I was, however, confused by the phrase… Read more »

    Bella Minyo
    Bella Minyo(@bella-minyo)
    1 year ago

    I was not expecting the sister to be dead, Margarida, but it goes so well with the story and it all makes sense as to why the main character seemed envious of the sister with how the sister was portrayed. A true joy to read!

    Bella Minyo
    Bella Minyo(@bella-minyo)
    Reply to  Margarida Brei
    1 year ago

    I agree, in the beginning of the story though I thought she was envious of the sister until the tone of the character changed.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    1 year ago

    Margarida, this was beautifully told, the way the protagonist remembered how people reacted to her ‘perfect’ sister and how her sister behaved. I expected a serious rivalry between them to follow, but instead, the line, ‘She protected me from bullies, helped with my homework, was supportive and loving.’ made me pause. I didn’t expect the ending at all, but like Sandra said, she was clearly loved by the protagonist.

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