“We All Agreed to Teach You a Lesson.”
I handed the adults the trip envelopes first.
Then the kids tore open their gifts—squeals, excitement, wrapping paper everywhere.
For a moment, it looked like it worked.
Like generosity could buy peace.
Then my sister Natalie stood up.
Her smile wasn’t gratitude.
It was sharp. Triumphant.
“We all agreed to teach you a lesson,” she said, loud enough for the whole room.
“No gifts for you or your kids this year.”
I blinked, waiting for the punchline.
