They Thought I Had a “Little Medical Job.” Then My Cousin Told 40 Guests the Truth

and burnout and the strange terror of being the one everyone turned to when everything went wrong.

When he spotted me, his face lit up. “Sophia!” He wove between tables and pulled me into a warm hug. “I was hoping you’d be here.”

“Wouldn’t miss Mom’s birthday.”

He pulled back, hands on my shoulders, looking me over with genuine affection. “Listen, before continue reading …