They all looked at me like I had just appeared out of nowhere. My father nodded, not even glancing at the paper bag. He smoothed the front of his jacket with both hands and waved over one of the staff to take it and set it with the rest of the gifts like it was nothing special.
Elena beamed as she handed him hers. "Happy birthday, Daddy! I hope you like it!"
My father lit up as he opened her gift like a child unwrapping a treasure. It was just a cheap bottle of berry wine. Ordinary. But his smile made it look like gold.
"I love this, sweetheart! You know how much I adore berry wine!"
If you're the favorite daughter, everything you touch turns to gold, even the cheapest things. If you're not? You're just there.
They left me behind like they always did. Not even a glance back.
I walked to an empty table tucked in the corner, far away from everyone's curious and pitiful eyes. Two of Dante's soldiers stood along the wall nearby, scanning the room out of habit, not for me. As I sat, my father took the stage.
"Good evening, everyone. I'm so happy you're all here," he began, grinning wide. "I want my sweet daughter to come join me on stage."