The Academy For The Elite

My mother's eyes never held love for me, not since that fateful day when I turned eight. I often wondered why - was it because I struggled in school, or maybe my appearance reminded her too much of my sister who slipped away from us? But no, it was something deeper.
At six years old, I buried my childhood, trading it for endless hours of studying, perfecting every skill, every trait, every move - all to become the flawless daughter my mother coveted. But every time she looked at me, her gaze would linger on my face, and I knew - I was still just a replica of my sister. My neighbors would glance over, admiration sparkling in their eyes, but she didn't notice.Trophies gathered dust in our living room, but she remained blind to them. My cooking could impress even the most discerning palates - but she never tasted it. The vacation I won through a writing contest? Just a distant memory, overshadowed by her indifference.

Until that day, the mail arrived, and everything shifted. Inside the envelope lay an admission letter to NASW - a school owned and operated by the government. People whispered about NASW in hushed tones, fearing its name like a bad omen. Only the gifted and intelligent walked its halls. I approached my mother, letter trembling in my hand.

Her response?

A casual shrug. No excitement, no pride - just a monotone voice telling me I was going. My heart sank, but I didn't let tears fall.

I swallowed my hopes, my dreams of a happy family, of a mother who loved me unconditionally.

I accepted her words silently, no complaints, no begging - just a mask of obedience.

That was the day I understood - I was never her flesh and blood, never her real child... just a clone.
My birthday arrived the next day, but there were no celebrations - only a suitcase packed by my mother, a ticket to the airport.
I remember smiling faintly and making her a promise: I would bring her daughter back to her. Little did I know, that promise would become my everything...