My mom said, “No one needs you to come this Christmas.” “Cool,” I replied. Then I added one sentence: “Well… everything will be canceled then.” And slowly, my mom’s face turned pale.

for you. You ruined yours all by yourself.”

Her eyes flashed.

For a moment, I expected her to snap back and unleash her favorite weapons.

Guilt.

Shame.

Instead, she slowly exhaled.

“Everyone is talking about that screenshot,” she said. “About the video you posted. I can’t show my face without people looking at me like I’m a monster.”

“Maybe stop acting like one,” I replied.

Her jaw tightened.

“You have no idea what it took to hold this family together,” she whispered. “Your father was useless with money. Ryan was