My Brother Laughed At My Small Business Until I Said One Number At Christmas Dinner

of deciding I would be fine.

“And if we can’t do that?” my father asked.

“Then I’ll be fine,” I said. “Actually fine, not just easier to ignore.”

I went back to the living room for my coat. My mother followed, wringing her hands. She said something about how they just needed time, that this was a lot to process all at once. I told her I understood, and continue reading …