“I added the extra guests and changed the decorations. I did plenty!”
“Who reserved the
restaurant?”
Camille didn’t answer.
“Who paid for the original arrangements?”
“Mom, why does it matter?”
Aunt Ruth’s voice came from behind them.
“Because it matters very much.”
Everyone turned.
Ruth had risen from her table and slowly approached with her cane.
Her white rose corsage was still on her wrist.
“Margaret,” she said to my mother, “your daughter has been carrying this family’s financial burdens for years, and you’ve barely acknowledged it.”
Mom looked uncomfortable.
“Aunt Ruth, this isn’t the time.”
Ruth continued.
“Olivia pays the property taxes. She helped replace your roof. She covers the family’s phone bills. She’s been paying the difference for Henry’s medication. And tonight, she organized a beautiful anniversary celebration.”
