His words hung in the air, the gravity of his statement settling over the guests like a heavy cloud. I stood there, still wiping frosting from my eyes, feeling a mix of shame and gratitude. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother, someone who would stand up for me when I couldn’t find my own voice.

Ed stammered, trying to regain his composure. “It was just a joke, Ryan. We’ve always joked around like this.”

“This isn’t about a joke,” Ryan interjected firmly. “It’s about respect, Ed. And today, you showed a complete lack of it.”