I sent my parents $550 every Friday so they could “live comfortably.” On my daughter’s birthday, they didn’t even show up, and then my father said, “We don’t count your family the same.” I opened my banking app, cut off their lifeline, and typed a message that would hit harder than any birthday song. Every Friday at exactly nine in the morning, $550 left my checking account.

Rent was late.

Groceries went on credit cards.

Marcus worked extra shifts until his hands cracked from cardboard, cold air, and warehouse dust.

One night, he touched the bank statement.

“Just one month, Sarah. Ask them if they can take a little less.”

I kissed his knuckles.

“They need it.”

Mom promised they would come to Lily’s birthday.

“We wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

I believed her.

Saturday arrived with dollar-store balloons, a chocolate cake covered in pink frosting, and Lily eagerly waiting for her grandparents.

At two, the party started.

At three, their unopened gift was still sitting on the couch.

Lily kept looking toward the driveway.

By four, everyone had gone.

They still hadn’t come.

I called Dad.

Laughter and clinking glasses filled the background.