5

At the mention of the chance to study abroad, I froze, and my thoughts drifted back to two years prior. I was four years older than Finn and in my senior year of university when he was in 12th grade. Knowing I couldn't rely on our parents, I studied relentlessly and was determined to leave the house. For four years, I never slacked off and graduated at the top of my class. That all paid off when I earned a postgraduate recommended admission to a world-renowned university. But Finn, who'd never taken academics seriously, failed his exams. He came home whining about wanting to study abroad. Despite knowing he'd just waste the opportunity, Mom and Dad agreed without hesitation. That night, Mom prepared a lavish dinner for me and piled my plate high with my favorite food. "Asher, you know our finances are barely enough to support one child studying abroad. Since Finn just graduated from high school, why don't you let him go instead?" I set my utensils aside and replied, "Mom, even i