His Sister, His Choice: My Freedom

st birthday party for Leo, it was an exhibition. His first finger paintings, framed and hung with professional care. Plaster casts of his tiny hands and feet sat on pedestals. A looping vi

ned the gallery, clinked her

It looks amazing. P

mile. "Thanks for letting me do

g an arm around my waist and kissing my temp

My mom is over the moon. She' s showing every

A rare, perfec

and a chill followed Brenda Je

ing the space with an air of judgment. She didn' t look at the art.

a beeli

turn. "Look at this. An entire party for a one-year-old. A little much

to drop a few degrees. I felt

enda," I said, keeping my vo

' s chaotic, joyful handprints. "Cute. I guess some people will buy anything thes

friends shifted uncomfortably. Linda' s smile tightened into a thin

She put on a show of surprise, her hand flyin

issive wave. "You know me. I' m just blunt. I say what eve

nd for support,

nd me, to draw a line. I saw the conflict in his face, the flicker of annoyance at his sister

acating. He turned to me, his eyes pleading. "Sarah, s

were the problem, not her cruelty. My throat felt tight, and I could feel my eyes starting to b

essional peacekeeper rushing to smooth o

" Evelyn said gently. "Sarah worked so hard on this.

ympathetic sque

h," Evelyn whispered to me, as if that

yes. "Whatever, Mom. I'

the bar. As she walked away, I heard her mutter to her

It does nothing for her post-baby body. You' d

ed of my composure for the sake of my son, whose beautiful day w