Every Thanksgiving, Jennifer was forced to face the question she hated to answer: Why don’t you speak to your mother? She hoped her family would simply accept her choice, but once again, this year, the question came up. However, this time, Jennifer wouldn’t be able to avoid the conversation.
Jennifer gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white as she focused on the road.
Her Bluetooth earpiece rested in her ear, and her dad’s familiar voice echoed through it, calm and steady.
“Dad, I don’t understand why we have to go through this every single year,” she said, her frustration simmering just below the surface.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Because she’s your mother, Jen. You can’t just ignore her,” her father replied gently, but firmly.
“I’m not ignoring her!” Jennifer protested, her tone defensive.
This conversation felt like a broken record.
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Her dad’s voice softened. “You don’t call her, don’t write to her, and don’t even want to stay for the holiday!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“No, I don’t!” Jennifer snapped back, a hint of hurt mixed with anger in her voice.
“Dad, am I just supposed to forget everything that’s happened? And you know she’ll never admit she was wrong…”
“Talk to her about it first. You don’t know what she’s thinking. Yes, she has a difficult personality, but I forgave her,” he said, his tone pleading.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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Jennifer clenched her teeth, gripping the wheel even tighter.
“Well, you shouldn’t have…”
“All I’m asking is that you come tonight, and have dinner with us as a family. We don’t need to break up the family over this.”
“So, I’m the one breaking up the family? Me? Not Mom?” Jennifer’s voice was sharp, tinged with bitterness.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You know that’s not what I meant…” her father replied quietly, his voice filled with patience.
Jennifer took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.
“Fine… I’ll come and stay for dinner. But I’m not promising I’ll last till the end…”
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“That’s good enough for me. I’ll be waiting for you. Goodbye, honey.”
“Goodbye, Dad,” Jennifer said, and then the line went silent.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She hung up and sighed deeply, sinking back against her seat. It had been almost three years since she’d last spoken to her mother, Sarah.
The split between Sarah and her father had come suddenly and painfully, and Jennifer still remembered the cold words her mother had said:
“I’ve wanted this for a long time, but only felt brave enough to do it now that the kids are grown.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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How could she act as though their family had been a burden? Growing up, Jennifer had never felt close to Sarah.
Her mother had always been wrapped up in her own world—studying, working, socializing.
She rarely seemed to have time for her family, least of all for Jennifer. Instead, Jennifer had been the one taking on responsibilities far beyond her years.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
As the older sister, she had practically raised Carly, her younger sister, while Sarah was off doing her own thing.
Jennifer cooked dinner, helped Carly with her homework, and ensured the house was in order.
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But every Thanksgiving, Sarah would reach out, talking about how much she missed everyone, as though she hadn’t been the one to walk away.
This time, Jennifer was certain it would be no different. She dreaded the forced smiles, the empty exchanges.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Jennifer parked in the familiar gravel driveway, taking a deep breath as she stared at the large house in front of her.
Nestled close to the woods and a bit isolated from the city, it was the home she had grown up in—a place full of memories, both happy and painful.
She watched through the windshield as her father, Thomas, stepped out of the front door, his face lighting up the moment he saw her.
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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
He raised a hand in a warm wave, and next to him was her younger sister, Carly, bouncing on her toes with excitement.
She glanced toward the window and saw her mother, Sarah, standing just behind the glass, watching from the shadows.
“Jen! You finally made it!” Thomas called out, his voice filled with warmth.
“Hi, Dad. Hi, Carly,” Jennifer replied, doing her best to sound cheerful as she climbed out of the car. She forced a smile, hoping it looked genuine enough.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
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As she walked over, her father pulled her into a big hug, squeezing her shoulders tightly. It felt comforting, even if she didn’t completely feel at ease.
Then she turned to a grinning Carly and reached over to give her hair a playful ruffle like she had done so many times when they were younger.
“Jen, I’m 23 years old! Enough!” Carly protested, laughing as she brushed Jennifer’s hand away.
Jennifer chuckled, shrugging.