I nodded, acknowledging her apology. “Thank you,” I replied gently. “Let’s put it behind us and enjoy the evening.”

And with that, the day continued. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real, a testament to the complexities of family and the power of standing up for oneself. In the end, the unexpected moment became a turning point, not just for me, but for our relationship as well. We learned something valuable that day – that respect and understanding could bridge even the deepest divides.