I Came For The Fourth Of July, But My Daughter Said, “Mom, Today We’re Keeping It Very Small—Tyler’s Mom Is Coming. Can We Do Another Day?” I Left Quietly. The Next Day, She Called Me In A Rush BECAUSE…..

Nothing could dampen my spirits. As I approached Jessica’s house, I could hear music playing. Classic rock mixed with children’s laughter and adult conversation.

Through the tall wooden fence that surrounded their backyard, I caught glimpses of people moving around, red and blue decorations hanging from the trees, and smoke rising from what I knew was Tyler’s expensive new grill. I climbed the front porch steps, adjusting my grip on the pie carrier and smoothing my blouse. The front door was closed, which was unusual for one of their parties, but I figured they were keeping the air conditioning in.

I rang the doorbell and waited, listening to the muffled sounds of celebration coming from behind the house. After a minute, I heard footsteps approaching. The lock clicked, and the door opened to reveal Jessica, looking stunning in a white sundress with red accessories.

Her blonde hair was perfectly styled. Her makeup flawless despite the heat. She looked like she’d stepped out of a magazine spread about perfect suburban entertaining.

But the moment her eyes met mine, her face changed. The easy smile that had been playing on her lips vanished, replaced by something I’d never seen before. Not just surprise.

Something harder. Colder. “Mom,” she said, her voice flat and carefully controlled.

“What are you doing here?”

The question hit me like a physical blow. I actually took a step backward, nearly losing my grip on the pie. “What do you mean?” I managed to say, forcing a laugh that sounded shaky even to my own ears.

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