By Emma Collins • March 1, 2026 • Share
The text came while I was debating cereal brands. Generic or name-brand. Forty cents difference. That’s where my brain lives now.
“Elena, honey, we can’t make Mason’s birthday. Really tight month financially. I’m so sorry.”
I stared at the screen. Mason was turning seven. Seven is old enough to remember who shows up.
I typed back what I’ve typed for years. “No worries, Mom. We understand.” We always understood.
For three years, I had been sending my parents $800 every month. Automatic transfer. No reminders. No complaints. Thirty-six months. $28,800.
Jake used to ask questions, gently. “They have a paid-off house, El. Your dad has a pension. What exactly are we covering?”
“Medications. Utilities. Inflation,” I’d say. I never asked for proof. Because I’m the daughter. And daughters fix things quietly.
Mason’s birthday was small but warm. Backyard balloons. Homemade cake. Paper plates from the dollar store. He asked three times when Grandma and Grandpa were coming.
“They’re busy, buddy.”
