Dad forgot to hang up the call. «She’s nothing! A failure, should’ve never been born…

I couldn’t wait to share the news with someone. And despite everything, my parents were the first people I thought of. Maybe this time, dad would actually be proud.

I checked my watch. 2.30pm. They wouldn’t be expecting me for hours, which meant I could surprise them with the good news and maybe even suggest celebrating with dinner out. When I pulled into our driveway, I noticed both their cars were there.

Unusual for a Wednesday afternoon, mom usually had her book club. I entered quietly through the side door that led directly to the kitchen, planning to announce my early arrival and my success. But then I heard my father’s voice coming from his bedroom, which he’d converted into a home office of sorts.

He was on a video call, his voice carrying clearly down the hallway. Yeah, Stan, we’re still living with her. What choice do we have? The housing market is ridiculous these days.

I recognized the voice on the other end as Stanley Bennett, my father’s friend from his construction days. I was about to call out when something in my father’s tone made me pause. Hold on, let me end this call properly.

Audrey’s always nagging me about just hitting the red button. I heard a click, followed by my father’s voice again. There, now we can talk freely.

Except he hadn’t ended the call. I could still hear Stanley asking if he was still there. My father had only minimized the window, thinking he’d disconnected.

She’s nothing, Stan. A failure. Should’ve never been born.

The words hit me like a physical blow. I froze in the hallway, unable to move forward or retreat. Sure, she makes good money, my father continued, his voice dripping with disdain.

But what kind of life is that? Thirty-one and still single, married to her job. It’s pathetic. And she lords it over us, like we should be grateful she’s letting us live here.

At least you’ve got a roof over your head, Stanley replied, his voice tinny through the speakers. Yeah, but at what cost? My dignity? Do you know how embarrassing it is when people ask what I do, and I have to admit my daughter supports me? It’s humiliating. What about Heather? She doing okay? My father’s voice immediately softened, pride evident in every word.

Now there’s my real achievement. Three beautiful grandkids. A solid marriage.

Sure, she didn’t go to some fancy college like Audrey, but she’s got what matters. A family. Love.

Keith’s business is doing well enough. They’re talking about buying a bigger house soon. I heard the bedroom door open and my mother’s voice joined the conversation.

Who are you talking to, Ray? Just Stan. We were discussing the girls. Oh! My mother’s voice grew quieter as she moved closer to the computer.

Did you tell him about Audrey’s promotion? The one she won’t stop talking about. What’s there to tell? Another rung on the corporate ladder. Big deal.

I know. My mother sighed. Sometimes I wonder where we went wrong with her.

So cold. So focused on money and status. Not like our Heather.

Exactly. The only good thing about living here is we’re saving a fortune. Another year or two and we can afford to put a down payment on a place near Heather and the kids…