With a polished smile and a voice that carried across the room, she spoke about the effort it took to arrange such a grand celebration. Then, with a pointed glance toward my parents, she remarked that some families were unable to contribute financially. The words landed heavily in the air.
My mother’s smile faded, my father sat still and composed, and I felt my chest tighten with discomfort.
A long silence followed before my father gently pushed back his chair and stood. He didn’t raise his voice or show irritation. Instead, he spoke with steady calm.
He said that if their presence had caused any unease, they were prepared to quietly excuse themselves. Then he added that before leaving, they wished to present their wedding gift. My parents walked to the front together, hands clasped, facing the room with quiet dignity.
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