The classic family translation.
She hurt you, but don’t make a mess of it.
“She said, ‘No one needs me,’” I replied. “She meant it.”
He insisted. “She just doesn’t want drama this year. She’s tired. You know, she’s been doing this alone for years.”
I laughed sharply.
“Doing what alone? Ordering me around?”
He ignored that.
“Anyway, even if you’re not coming, can you at least help with the usual stuff? The group chats, the reminders, the playlist.”
“You’re kidding,” I cut in. “So, I’m not needed, but my work still is.”
Silence.
Then a frustrated exhale.
“Olivia, don’t be dramatic. This isn’t about you.”
My fingers dug into the edge of the counter.
“Really? Because she literally made it about me.”
Ryan continued as if reading from a script Mom had approved.
“Mom’s worried. She thinks you’re pulling away. She’s the one who paid for your college, your apartment deposit, everything. At least you could make Christmas easy on her.”
A bitter taste filled my mouth.
