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.

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