So instead, I just said, “You’re right. No one spoils me. But that’s not the problem. The problem is you’ve mistaken neglect for fairness.”
That’s when Mom snapped.
“Enough!” she shouted, slamming her hand on the armrest.
Her voice cracked, but the performance was gone.
This was the real her.
The sharp tone that used to make me freeze when I was 10.
“You’ve always seen yourself as the victim, Felix. You think everything we do is some kind of attack on you. You’ve never once appreciated what we’ve done for you.”
“What exactly have you done for me?” I asked quietly.
That shut her up for a second.
“You didn’t pay for college,” I continued. “You said it would build character. You didn’t help when my car broke down, even though you cosigned Melissa’s SUV. You didn’t come to my wedding because it was on the same weekend as Tyler’s guys’ trip. And every time I’ve needed something, just some emotional support, you’ve said, ‘You’re independent, Felix. You can handle it.’”
