I’d like to say a few words before we dig in.”
All eyes turned to me. The room fell silent as my gaze shifted from Maureen to Richard, and then to my dearest husband. “This year, I wanted to make Thanksgiving truly special,” I began.
Maureen’s fork froze mid-air, and Richard glanced at Mike, who shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Meanwhile, his brothers exchanged awkward looks. They couldn’t believe Mike expected me to prepare a lavish dinner with just twenty bucks.
“But while planning dinner, I realized it’s not just about the food or the decorations. It’s about the effort and respect that go into making a home feel like a family. And then it hit me… I’ve been doing this alone for two years.”
Mike cleared his throat.
“Honey, maybe now’s not the time —”
“Oh, it’s the perfect time,” I said, cutting him off. “Because while I was cooking, cleaning, and making this house look perfect for you and your family, I also realized I deserve better.”
Maureen’s face turned red. “Alyssa, we’ve always appreciated you —”
“Have you?” I asked, my voice calm but firm.
“Because it doesn’t feel like it when you criticize everything I do or expect me to cater to you like it’s my job.”
Let’s not ruin the holiday, please.”
I smiled sweetly. “Oh, don’t worry, Mike. This dinner is takeout from the fancy catering place you said we couldn’t afford.
It won’t be ruined.”
Maureen and Richard looked at their plates like they’d been betrayed. “Yes,” I said. “Because I figured I’d give myself a break.
And you know what? It was worth every penny.”
I set my glass down and turned to Mike. “Oh, and one more thing,” I said.
“This is the last Thanksgiving dinner I’ll ever make for your family. You can figure out next year’s meal on your own. Maybe Maureen can teach you how she manages to cook meals with no money!”
