The spread was filled with all of Marlon's favorite dishes.
I almost forgot that today marked the anniversary of his death.
In our household, my preferences were never on the table.
I loved seafood, but Diane always said Marlon was allergic, and that seafood was too expensive, so I was never allowed to indulge.
Marlon had been so good to me growing up, yet I felt like I had caused his death.
If it hadn't been for that birthday when our parents were away, and I insisted on him taking me out for fun, he might still be alive.
Diane could be harsh, but Marlon always protected me.
He saved his pocket money just to buy me treats and those little dolls sold by the school gate.
All my classmates had them, and I wanted one too, but when I told Diane the price, she shut me down immediately.
"That little trinket could buy Marlon a study guide! You spoiled brat, how could you even ask for money for toys? Money doesn't grow on trees, and you don't earn any, so save it!"
Meanwhile, she showered Marlon with cash, saying he needed to reward himself for all the hard work he put into his studies.
Of course, Marlon worked hard; I didn't.
The family had money for him but not for me.