“Go change, you look cheap!” my dad laughed after Mom ruined my dress. I returned wearing a general’s uniform. The room went silent. He stuttered, “Wait… are those two stars?”

Months passed.

The relationship didn’t magically heal, but it changed. Boundaries replaced obedience. Respect replaced expectation.

And the next time I entered a room, it wasn’t to impress anyone.

It was because I belonged there.