There it was again.
Nobody keeps up.
Nobody asks.
Nobody notices.
Then she mentioned the envelope.
“That whole little performance with the gift was petty.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Do you even know what was inside?”
She shrugged.
“A card?”
“Two thousand dollars.”
Her expression changed instantly.
“What?”
“I was giving Mom and Dad two thousand dollars for their anniversary.”
She looked down at her drink.
“You’re seriously keeping it?”
“You think they earned it?”
She didn’t answer.
Three days later, I discovered just how differently my family measured people’s value.
An Instagram notification appeared on my phone.
Mia was standing beside the same boyfriend in front of a brand-new white SUV with an enormous red bow on the hood.
Her caption thanked Mom and Dad for the early wedding present.
Then I saw Mom’s comment.
Only the best for our girl. You’ve always made us proud.
I stared at those words.
At my parents’ 30th anniversary dinner, I arrived in a suit and tie expecting to celebrate with my family. Instead, I discovered that my seat had been given to my sister’s new boyfriend.
