My parents refused to pay $85,000 to save my son…

“You know, Emily, I wish you’d try to be more excited about this wedding. Clare feels like you’re not really supporting her.”

I laughed. A harsh sound that startled even me.

“Clare feels I’m not supporting her.”

“She does. She’s noticed you’ve been distant, and you still haven’t confirmed whether you’ll be a bridesmaid.”

“I can’t afford the dress, Mom. I told you that.”

“Well, maybe if you managed your money better, you wouldn’t always be in this position.”

The words hung in the air like poison.

Managed my money better. As if I had been spending frivolously instead of fighting to keep my child alive. As if the crushing weight of medical debt was some kind of personal failing rather than the result of a broken healthcare system and a family that chose fancy parties over their grandson’s life.