My parents told me there wouldn’t be “ENOUGH SPACE” for me at the annual family gathering. But then they invited 88 people. All six of my siblings, their families, in-laws, even cousins and friends. I didn’t say a single word. Instead, I ACTED. Hours later, my mother started screaming…

Jessica started crying. “My engagement! The influencers are going to livestream this! I’m going to be a meme, Mom! I’m going to be a meme!”

The Senator knocked on the open door. He looked around the empty, dark living room, then looked at Robert’s sweating face.

“Robert,” the Senator said, his voice dripping with icy disappointment. “Is this a joke?”

“Senator, please, there’s been a misunderstanding with the staff—”

“It looks like you can’t afford to host us,” the Senator said. He turned to his wife. “Come, darling. Let’s go to Le Bernardin. This is pathetic.”

One by one, the guests turned around. The whispers began immediately.
“Broke.”
“Frauds.”
“Did you see Linda’s dress? It’s probably a knock-off too.”

Linda sank onto the stairs, burying her face in her hands as the sound of expensive engines revving signaled the death of their social standing. They were alone.