Paid for my sister’s wedding, and my mother sent me a message: «You don’t have to come to the celebration. Your stepfather thinks you’re ruining the family photo.» The next morning they received a notification that made everyone in the family FURIOUS…

«I think this conversation is over,» he said, heading to the door. His mother followed him but stopped at the exit. «Alex,» she said quietly, — «I understand you’re angry.

But think carefully; we’re the only family you have. With your… appearance and character. You’ll be left alone.»

This last manipulation attempt only caused Alex a sad smile. «You know, Mom, I’d rather be alone than with those who consider me a burden and a source of shame. Goodbye.»

When the door closed behind his mother, Alex felt not bitterness or regret, but strange relief. As if he had dropped a heavy load from his shoulders that he had carried for many years. The next two weeks passed relatively calmly.

The family seemed to have come to terms with the inevitable; calls and messages became less frequent, and their tone shifted from aggressive to pleading. Victor no longer threatened with connections in the administration, and his mother didn’t remind of her sacrifices. One evening, leaving the gym where Alex had recently signed up, he ran into Mary.

She stood at the entrance, nervously shifting from foot to foot. «Hi,» she said, smiling tensely. «I called, but you didn’t pick up.»

«Phone in the locker,» explained Alex. «Waiting for me?» Mary nodded. «Can we sit somewhere? Talk?» They went to a small cafe on the next street.

Mary looked depressed: dark circles under her eyes, pale face, chapped lips. «How was the honeymoon?» asked Alex when they settled at the table. «Fine,» she shrugged.

«We were in Miami for a week.» Congratulations on the marriage, he really wanted things to work out well for his sister, despite the offense. «Thanks,» Mary twirled the salt shaker in her hands, not daring to get to the main topic.

«Alex, I heard you’re going to sell the apartment?» «Yes. But why?» «Even if you want Mom and Victor to move out, you could just rent it. It’s…

Inheritance from Dad.» Alex looked closely at his sister. «That’s why, Mary.

Dad left me this apartment so I’d feel secure. So I’d have a home where I’m respected. And what happened in the end?» Mary lowered her gaze.

«We acted horribly, I know. But Mom and Victor. They panicked because of this wedding.

There really were important people there, on whom Victor’s career depends. And my presence could ruin everything,» finished Alex for her. «Because I’m not presentable enough, right?» «I didn’t mean that,» protested Mary.

«But that’s exactly what you all thought,» Alex replied calmly. «And you know what’s the saddest? You didn’t even try to find a compromise. Didn’t suggest, for example, that I trim my beard or wear some special suit.

You just decided I’m so awful looking that I should disappear.» Mary was silent, fiddling with a napkin. «I wanted to invite you,» she finally said quietly.

«But Victor insisted. And you chose his side. He’s my stepfather.

He raised me since I was 12. And I’m your brother,» Alex replied simply. «And I paid for that damn wedding.»

Mary covered her face with her hands. «I know. I’m a terrible sister.

I ruined everything.» Alex sighed. He didn’t want to hurt her; after all, Mary was really caught between two fires.

«It’s not about you, Mary.» This was the last straw in a long series of humiliations. «I just decided enough is enough.

But selling the apartment.» She lifted her teary eyes to him. «Where will they go? That’s their problem,» Alex replied firmly.

«They’re adults. They’ll have to learn to live within their means. And if they don’t find anything suitable? Rental housing downtown costs a fortune, and in the suburbs.

It’s dangerous there.» Alex shook his head. «Mary, you’re exaggerating.

First, you don’t have to live downtown. Second, Victor has a mother with a two-bedroom apartment in the suburbs. But it’s so far from work.

Then he’ll have to get up earlier,» Alex shrugged. «Millions of people commute daily from the suburbs to work. Nothing terrible about it…