My Biological Father Left Us When I Was Three – Then Reappeared on My 17th Birthday to Outshine My Stepdad With His Present

"You're getting dishwater on me."

"You're the one who started this."

So did he.

A month later, Ray finally bought new work boots.

I know because I went with him.

When he tried to choose the cheapest pair, I made him get the good ones.

The college account kept growing.

Some months there was $100.

Some months $20.

Ray eventually stopped writing what he'd sacrificed on the statements after I told him it made me feel guilty.

Instead, he started writing about me.

Passed chemistry somehow – $50.

Then one month: Proud of you, kid – $100.

I kept that one.

I kept the wooden box too.

My biological father did contact me again.

Not right away.

But he never insulted Ray in front of me again.

Maybe he finally understood why.

The most expensive birthday present anyone had ever offered me disappeared down our street before dinner.