Overlooked and always second to her sister in her parents' eyes, a young woman decides to put distance between herself and her family by choosing a college far from home. As she builds a life on her own, the question of whether her parents will ever truly see her hangs over every choice she makes.
In October, St. Gabriel held Family Honors Night. Students receiving the year's top awards were supposed to walk through the auditorium with their before accepting the school crest and honor sash out tear. Before the ceremony, the lobby overflowed with parents.
One father had taken the first flight from Chicago. A mother arrived in hospital scrubs at the end of her shift. Students whose parents worked overseas came with grandparents and older siblings. The space beside me stayed empty.
My parents were on campus. They were in another building with Sophia and her private consultant, discussing summer programs. Mom had brought the hotel's PR director. Dad had postponed a port meeting.
They were less than a thousand feet away. Just before my turn, a parent who knew the Morettos hurried them into the auditorium. Amelia has been waiting for you. Thank goodness you made it. They didn't look relieved.
They looked like they'd been caught in public. Mom lowered her voice. How long does this take? Sofia's consultant only gave us an hour.
Dad eyed the carpeted aisle. You walk with her. She's yours this year. I'm not doing that with everyone staring. It's performative. And you expect me to? Half the port commission is here.
She's your daughter.