midnightsversion14
The twin sisters Folklore and Evermore Coney begin life already divided by tragedy. On July 24, 2006, Folklore is born extremely premature at only twenty-four weeks and spends months fighting for her life in the NICU. Her twin sister, Evermore, remains in the womb until full term and is born healthy on December 11, 2006.
Although Evermore is healthy, the trauma of nearly losing Folklore permanently changes their parents, Marisa and Dan Coney. Folklore becomes the family's "miracle baby," constantly protected, celebrated, and adored. Evermore grows up in her shadow, receiving less attention, fewer gifts, and little emotional affection.
As children, the sisters develop very differently. Folklore is sweet, social, and loved at school, quickly building a close friend group. Evermore, meanwhile, is quiet, sensitive, and lonely. Other children see her as strange because of rumors and the way her own family treats her. Her only true friends become Midnights, a kind and deeply loyal girl, and eventually Willow, a stray cat Evermore rescues and keeps hidden in her room for comfort.
Despite the imbalance between them, Folklore is not cruel. She genuinely loves Evermore, but she grows addicted to the love and attention she receives. Again and again, she stays silent when Evermore is hurt because speaking up might threaten her own place in the family and at school.
As the years pass, Evermore suffers increasingly painful neglect. But will their parents' actions change their relationship?