Once she was settled into bed, I moved to the living room where my parents sat together, their earlier bravado replaced by visible discomfort. I could feel their eyes on me as I sat down across from them, the air heavy with unsaid words and broken trust.

“Mom, Dad,” I began, my voice steady and controlled. “I think we need to talk.” My mother opened her mouth, perhaps to offer an apology, but I held up a hand. “No explanations now. Just facts. I sent money for Lily. She didn’t get it. What happened?”My dad cleared his throat, avoiding eye contact. “We…we thought it was best to save it. You know, for emergencies,” he said, but the quiver in his voice betrayed him.

“For emergencies, huh?” I replied, glancing pointedly at the SUV parked in the driveway. “Or perhaps for luxury?” My tone was sharp, each word a deliberate incision.