The day of my 25th birthday started out as a joyous occasion, filled with laughter, cake, and the company of family and friends. That was until my dad arrived.
My dad, now 56, had recently gone through a bitter divorce with my mom. He had always been the absent father, more concerned with his work and social life than his family.
When he did show up, it was often to criticize or belittle those around him. But today, he outdid himself.
As he entered the party, I noticed he wasn’t alone. By his side was Jess, my best friend since high school. Jess, who was my age, had always been like a sister to me.
