Conversations hushed noticeably as we entered, then erupted in enthusiastic greetings as relatives rushed to congratulate both Lily and me. Mom appeared from the kitchen, her earlier confident demeanor replaced by uncharacteristic nervousness. Emma, you came, she said, attempting a warm smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes…
We were just about to serve dinner. Dad approached with forced joviality. There’s my successful daughters, he announced loudly, as if he’d been proudly proclaiming my achievements all along.
Emma, why didn’t you tell us about this big consulting job? The audacity of his question, after years of disinterest in my activities, momentarily stunned me into silence. Before I could respond, Uncle Jack interjected, probably because you haven’t asked about her plans once in the past four years, Robert, he said bluntly, at least not in any family gathering I’ve attended. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room.
Dad’s face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. We’ve always supported both our daughters, he insisted defensively. Financially? Aunt Susan asked innocently.