Nobody argued.
“That ends today.”
He grabbed a trash bag and started assigning jobs. For the first time, everyone cleaned instead of watching me do it alone.
Gladys looked horrified. “What are you all doing?”
Nobody answered.
Grandma Helen’s newest comment popped onto my screen.
“About time.”
I smiled for the first time all day.
Within 30 minutes, the counters were clear, the dishwasher was running, the folding tables were put away, and the backyard looked normal again.
The game had long ended, but no one seemed interested in talking about it anymore.
Before leaving, people stopped by.
One aunt hugged me tightly.
“I’m sorry I never spoke up.”
“It wasn’t your job.”
She smiled sadly.
“I know, but I wish I had.”
Several more apologized for staying silent. For the first time, I believed they meant it.
