Jennifer, the often-overlooked middle child, is surprised when her
mom texts her about a special family dinner. Hoping it’s a chance to reconnect,
she agrees to go despite her doubts. At the fancy restaurant, she
feels like part of the family—until the check arrives, and her dad
singles her out to pay for her own meal while covering everyone else’s,
He justifies it by saying her siblings have families, and as a single
adult, it’s “only fair.” Humiliated and hurt, Jennifer quietly pays, but resentment begins to build,
